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REVELATION 



A PARAPHRASE AND EXPOSITION 



IN VERSE 



V^ 



By REV. T. P. BRIGGS 

Author of "The Song of Songs: A Paraphrase in Verse 
of Solomon's Song," etc. 



Introduction 

By E. BENJ. ANDREWS, D.D., L L.D. 

President of Brown University. 



"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words 
of this prophecy and keep those things which are written therein, 
for the time is at hand" Rev. I : 3. 



BOSTON - 

JAMES H. EARLE, Publisher h ^^ ^ ' 

178 Washington Street 
1892 



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Copyright, 1892 
By James H. Earle 



All rights reserved 



PREFACE. 



When the Holy Spirit declares, " Blessed is he that readeth 
and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those 
things which are written therein, for the time is at hand," it 
surely needs no apology for an honest and prayerful attempt 
to understand and explain these predictions, especially when 
the greater part of them are already a matter of history and 
only a small portion remain to be fulfilled. When Mr. Barnes, 
in the course of his exposition of the New Testament, came 
to Revelation he thought he would only explain the more 
practical portions of the book and leave the prophetical parts 
for others to expound. But when he read again in connection 
with this wonderful book the " Decline and fall of the Roman 
Empire " by Gibbon, and found that this writer, infidel though 
he was, could not have given a more complete history of the 
fulfillment of the earlier portions of the prophecy if he had 
endeavored to prove them true, Mr. Barnes was compelled to 
interpret these predictions according to the plain truths of 
history and has thereby given us one of the most thorough 
and reliable expositions of this book which has ever been 
written. 

While one of the chief purposes of prophecy is to confirm 
the faith of believers after its fulfillment, yet as we come 
near to any important epoch in the history of the Church we 
are to expect increased aid from heaven in understanding the 
"signs of the times", and so like Daniel who, by prophecy 



PREFACE. 



learned that the bondage in Babylon was about to end. and 
accordingly gave himself to prayer for the welfare of Zion in 
that triumphant and yet crucial hour; and as the early disci- 
ples were prepared by the predictions which fell from the lips 
Of ( :hris( to anticipate and thus save their lives at the destrm - 
tion of Jerusalem; so we, by a prayerful and faithful study 
of prophecy in its relation to Romanism and other anti- 
Christian powers, shall be better prepared for what is before 
us in the near future. 

I cheerfully acknowledge the aid received from many Com- 
mentaters and writers on prophecy in the preparation of this 
book; but I desire to mention the names of some writers. a-> 
especially helpful in my work, such as Sir Isaac Newton, one 
of earth's greatest philosophers, in his grand work on proph- 
ecy ; and also the works on the same subject by Bishop Thos. 
Newton, Faber, Scott, Pres. Edwards' "History of Redemp- 
tion," Andrew Fuller's lectures on the Apocalypse. "Smith's 
Key to Revelation," and, as before stated, Albert Barnes' 
notes on Revelation, also Bengel, Elliot, Lange and Hovey. 

In such company one will not be likely to get fanciful or 
mistaken ideas concerning the general truths of prophecy. 
But while consulting many authors and comparing one with 
another, I have reserved the right of personal judgment and 
interpretation by giving what, on the whole, I have believed 
to be the "mind of the Spirit." 

And on all who study these interesting and profitable pre- 
dictionsof the Bible may the benediction of heaven rest, as 
promised at the beginning of the Book of Revelation. 

T. P. B. 



Cambridge, Mass. 



INTRODUCTION. 



By President E. Benj. Andrews. 



Sir Isaac Newton advanced as one important reason 
why he wrote on prophecy the belief that, even in his day, 
men were nearing great moral and political changes; — with 
increased propriety may this be urged as a motive for works 
of this character at present. It is commonly believed that 
we are coming into one of the most vital and interesting 
epochs of prophetic history when truth is to prevail over 
error and superstition as it was done in no earlier age. A 
book which can throw aught of true light on the dark cloud 
of the near future, so as at all to reveal the issue of the 
battles now going on between the forces of light and the 
forces of darkness must be timely and helpful. 

Ever since the first century pious writers have been offer- 
ing to the world their interpretations of the unique book of 
Revelation, some of them varying widely from others as to its 
meaning: Because of said differing views not a few intelligent 
and honest men are prejudiced against any attempt to 
expound its mysterious symbolism. In reply to such extreme 
caution Lange has well said, " What though ten or twenty 
arbitrary and fanciful interpretations have attached them- 
selves to an allegorical passage? — that circumstance does 
not in the least destroy its allegorical character ; on the 
contrary it serves but to recommend in the most pressing 
manner, an inquiry after the symbolical analogies and the 
fundamental character of the prophecy." 

Concerning the value of the Book, Sir Isaac Newton in his 
*' Observations upon the Apocalypse of St. John," after 
v 



IXTRODCCTION. 



referring to the testimony of the early Christian writers to its 
uuthority and credibilty, remarks: "This may surely suffice 
to show how the Apocalypse was received and studied in the 
first ages; and I do not, indeed, find any other book of the 
New Testament so strongly attested, or commented on, so 
early as this." 

Irenseus lived about A. D. 140-202. He was a contem- 
porary and warm personal friend of Polycarp, who in turn, 
was, without reasonable doubt, acquainted with the Apostle 
John. [renseus gives most unqualified testimony to the 
effect that John was the author of the Apocalypse. It is 
hardly credible that he would have done this had not 
Polycarp believed as he did. Biblical scholars are, of course, 
familiar with the statements on this subject left by such 
early writers as Justin Martyr, Melito, Theophilus, Tertul- 
lian and Clement of Alexandria and by writers of the third 
and fourth centuries. The fact that the great majority of the 
early writers regarded the Apocalypse as Authentic, that the 
Latin fathers and the main body of the Greek fathers, as 
well, always defended it, is sufficient external proof of its 
authenticity. But it is to the internal evidence that we look 
for the most conclusive proof of the Divine guidance which 
its author received in the composition of this wonderful book. 
The purity of its doctrines, — the sublimity of its language 
and imagery, — its fulness of the spirit of prophecy and above 
all the adoring love which its author everywhere breathes for 
our Lord Jesus Christ, unquestionably attest the validity of 
the Apocalypse as an original and trustworthy oracle of our 
holy religion. 

Touching the Paraphrast's mode of interpretation and the 
views at which he arrives, the present writer is too ill-read in 
apocalyptic lore to express an opinion. Suffice it to say that 
in the primary and historical application of these prophecies, 
the 1'araphrast is in general harmony with the great body <>! 
Commentators, especially with writers like Sir Isaac Newton, 
Bishop Newton, Faber, Scott, T>engel, Elliot Fuller, l^ange 
and liarnes. 

As the Apocalypse itself is really a poem, called "pro- 
phetico-poetry ", by Lanc.K,— the author believes, that by 
giving his Paraphrase rhythm and metre it will better harmo- 
nize with the highly figurative language of the original, while 
also condensing the expository part of his work. 

Bkown University. 



REVELATION 



CHAPTER I. 



THE PROLOGUE. 



. This chapter contains the prologue and preface to the 
whole Book of Revelation. It gives the title and explains the 
design of the book. It pronounces the benediction of heaven 
on all who read and obey its teachings. God's blessings of 
grace and peace are invoked on the Churches of Asia, to 
whom he directs this book to be sent. Then follows a beauti- 
ful description of these Churches under the figure of "golden 
candlesticks" and also of Christ and his divine attributes. 



i. The revelation of our Lord, 
Which God the Father gave to Him, 
To show to all His watchful Saints 
The things which shortly must be clone. 

A Prophet who on earth had lived 
The high Commission had to bear 
This Message to God's servant, John ; 
2. Christ's loved disciple record bears 
To ev'ry word revealed to him, 
And witnessed truly by our Lord — 
Of all he heard or saw he writes : 



REVKLATIOX 



3. The blessing of the Lord shall rest 
( )n all who read and ponder well, 
Translating into action grand, 

These words, which shortly must begin 

4. To be fulfilled. To the churches 
Of our Lord in Asia, I, John, 
Invoke great grace and peace on you : 
From Him who was, and is, and is 
To come, and from the Holy Ghost, 

5. The perfect God, and Jesus Christ, 
God's faithful witness to the truth, 
The first begotten from the dead. 
The King o'er all the Kings of earth : 
To him who washed us from our sins 
With His own blood, so freely shed, 

6. Who makes us Kings and Priests to God, 
Be power and glory evermore ! 

7. Behold He cometh in the clouds 
Surrounded by th' Angelic host 
And every eye shall see our King ; 
The men who crucified our Lord, 
Yea, all who have rejected Christ 
Shall wail because of Him ! Amen ! 

8. "I, Alpha and Omega, reign, 
The First and last of all that is, 
Who was, who is, and is to come, 

Th' Almighty God o'er all the worlds !" 
(j. 1, John, your fellow Saint in Christ, 
In trials and in patience long, 
V\ ho for the kingdom of our Lord 



RE VELA TION. 9 



Am praying, waiting, hoping still, 

For testimony to the truth 

Was banished to lone Patmos' isle. 

10. T'was on the Lord's own day of rest, 

In God the Spirit, filled with peace, 

A heavenly voice, like naught on earth, 

In trumpet tones, burst on my ear ; 

These were the words which then I heard. — 

ii. "Both Alpha and Omega true 

Am I, and what thou seest write 

And send to all the saints of God, 

Scattered abroad thro' Asia fair ; 

To Ephesus and Pergamos, 

To Thyatira, Smyrna too 

And loving Philadelphia; 

To Sardis and rich La'docea, 

That they may profit by these words." 

12. I turned to see the one who spake, 
When to my gaze this vision came : 
Seven candlesticks of purest gold, 

13. And in their midst a wond'rous one, 
Like to my Lord, the Son of man : 

He wore a long and flowing robe, 
Of spotless righteousness and grace, 
With golden girdle round His breast, 
Girded with strength for service true 
Toward all the churches of His care ; 

14. His hair was white as driven snow, — 
The mighty God 'ere time began, — 

His eyes like flaming, flashing fire 



10 KKVKLATIOX 



Proclaimed His knowledge infinite; 

15. His feet glowed like fine, burnished brass. 
Like wheels of light which swiftly move, 
Thus showing his prompt power to act. 

I lis voice was loud as ocean's roar, — 
Denoting universal sway; 

16. His strong right hand held seven stars, — 
The faithful pastors of His flock; 

From out his mouth a two-edged sword 
Proceeded — His own faithful word: 
Like regal sun His clear face shone, 
With royal majesty and grace. 

17. I fell before His feet as dead, 
As smitten by a lightning's flash ! 
His strong right hand on me He laid 
And with a wond'rous kindness spake 
And said to me " Fear not, fear not, 

18. I am the first and last, who died 
But live again for aye ! Amen ! 

I hold the keys of death and hell : 

19. Write truly all that thou hast seen, — 
The things which are, and are to come, 

I now, in love, disclose to thee ; 

20. The meaning of what thou hast seen — 
The seven stars are messengers 

To Asia's Churches, formed by me: 

The candlesticks of purest gold 

Are these same churches of thy Lord. " 



REVEI.ATIOX. 11 



CHAPTER II. 

LETTERS TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES. 

This and the following chapter contain the letters to the 
Seven Churches of Asia. These letters which exhibit such 
divine knowledge, love and fidelity have been and will be to 
the end of time, watch-words of comfort and warning to every 
living Church. No one but God could have so read the inner 
motives of his professed disciples and so directed and com- 
forted the weakest of his children. 

i. "Unto the Pastor of the Church 
In Ephesus thus truly write," 
Saith He, the High and Holy One, 
Who holdeth these same Ministers 
In His own strong, yet gentle hand, 
And 'mongst the golden Candlesticks 

2. Doth move : 

k ' I know thy works and toil ; 
I know thy patience fully tried, 
And how thou can'st not bear those men, 
Those evil men, who like fierce wolves 
Destroy and scatter my own flock, 
E'en those who falsely call themselves 
Apostles of the Lord, thou hast 
Exposed and promptly cast them out ! 

3. Thy patience and thy holy zeal 



12 REVELATION. 



Are worthy of the highest praise; 

Nor hast thou weary grown in all thy work. 

4. Yet this have 1 against my church : 
Thou hast forsaken thy first love ; 
Thy early zeal and faith are dimmed. 

5. Remember then that holy height 
From whence thou hast so sadly fallen ; 
Repent, and do thy former works, 

Or else the golden candlestick 

Shall be removed, and darkness reign, 

Except thou dost in truth repent. 

6. But this thou hast which pleaseth me, 
Thou hatest all the shameful deeds 

Of those vile Nicolaitanes, 
Deeds which I, also, deeply hate. 

7. Let him who hath attentive ear 
To hear these words, obey the truth ; 
To him who overcometh sin 

Fruit from the tree of life I'll give, 
Which grows in God's own Paradise. 

8. And to the Pastor of the church 

In Smyrna write, these things saith He, 
The first and last, who died but lives 

9. Again ; Thy works, and poverty, 
And tribulation deep, 1 know ; 
Yet thou art truly rich in me. 

The blasphemy of those who say 
That tlu'\ are Jews, in pretense fair. 
The Synagogue of Satan are ! 

10. Fear not, beloved Church, fear not 



REVELATION. 13 



The things which thou must bear for me ; 

Behold, the Wicked One will soon, 

With fiendish joy, thrust some of you 

In prison, that ye may be tried, 

And tribulation ye shall have — 

Your proof and test of living faith — 

For ten successive bitter years ; 

But be ye faithful unto death 

And ye shall wear the crown of life. 

ii. Let all who hear attend these words, 

To all the churches of our Lord : 

He that o'ercomes the powers of hell 

The second death shall never hurt. 

12. And to the Pastor of the Church 
In Pergamos thus truly write ; 

These things saith He who hath the sharp 

13. Two-edged sword : 

I know where thou dost dwell ; 
Where Satan proudly makes his throne, 
Thou holdest fast my glorious name. 
Thou never hast denied my faith, 
E'en in the days when Antipas, 
My faithful martyr, gave his life 
Among you, e'en where Satan dwells. 

14. And yet a few faults I have found 
In thee ; for thou hast those who hold 
The doctrines, taught in days long past 
By Balaam, Bosor's evil son, 

Who Balak taught, by artful ways, 
To cast a stumbling-block before 



It REVELATION, 



The Israelites, alluring them 
Hack into idol worship and 
Its low and vile concomitant, 
Adultery, in all its forms ! 

15. So, also, hast thou those who hold 
Views like the Nicolaitanes, 

Which things I deeply do abhor. 

16. Repent, or else I'll quickly come 
And fight against them with the sword 
Of truth proceeding from my mouth. 

17. He who hath still a listening ear, 
Let him attend the Spirit's words 
Unto the churches of our Lord : 

To him that overcometh sin, 

The hidden manna will I give, 

Such food as Angels feast upon ; 

And I will also give to him 

A white and precious stone on which 

Mis own new name shall be engraved, 

In token of his heavenly rank — 

As Princes often give a name 

To those they raise to high estate — 

But no man knoweth this new name 

Save he to whom it doth pertain. 

18. Unto the Pastor of the church 

In Thyatira, thou shalt write 

These things saith He, the Son of (iod 

Whose eyes like flaming fire denote 

A perfect knowledge of all things ; 
Whose feet like tine and burnished bra 



ss 



RE VELA TION. 15 



Proclaim the strength and swiftness which 
Is seen in all His wond'rous acts : 

19 I know thy works and charity, 
Thy patient service and thy faith, 
The last which far exceeds the first ; 

20 And yet, 'gainst thee some things I find, 
Because thou dost, in sin, permit 

That woman, Jezebel, to teach 
And so seduce my servants, true, 
Vile fornications to commit, 
And eat those things to idols given : 

21 Space for repentance she hath had, 
But will not seek my face and live. 

22 Behold ! into a bed I'll cast 
Her with her vile associates, 
And send them tribulations sore, 
Except they turn from their dark deeds ; 

23 And I will kill her children with 
The noisome pestilence, till death 
Shall teach the churches I am He 
Who searcheth deep the inmost heart, 
Rewarding as their works shall be. 
No other burden will I lay 

24 On those of you who have not known 
The depths of Satan, as they teach ; 

25 But that which ye already have 
Hold fast until thy Lord doth come. 

26 He that o'ercometh sin and guilt, 
Thro' faith in me, and keepeth all 
My words and works until the end, 



16 REVELATIOX. 



Of my rich grace I will impart, 

And unto him will surely give 

Great power o'er nations of the earth. 

E'en Kings and governments shall yield, 

At last, to righteous laws, and all 

Who will not thus obey shall feel 

27 The iron rod of wise control, 
Compelling them t' obey the truth ; 
And that proud nation which rebels, 
Refusing justice to enthrone, 

Shall be destroyed like potter's ware, 
Which vile and worthless has become ! 
This holy reign of righteousness 
Is from the God of heaven and earth, 
Who to His Son all power hath given, 
And for His sake the truth empowers 
To rule the world as heaven is ruled. 

28 This empire o'er the, then known, world 
Was only as the harbinger 

( )f what is yet to come on earth ; 
'Twas as the day-star to the dawn — 
Sure pledge and promise of full day, 
When all the nations of the world 
Shall know and own our blessed Lord. 

29 He who hath ears to hear may thus 
Hoar what the Spirit saith, in truth and love, 
To all the churches of our Lord. 



REVELATION. 



CHAPTER III. 

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES. 

This chapter is a continuation of those letters from Christ 
to his Churches, which breathe such love and tenderness 
and yet such unswerving fidelity, in warning and rebuking. 
It is worthy of note that Christ mentions first the things 
which meet His approval before using His reluctant " never- 
theless " with which He prefaces His loving but faithful 
rebukes. How important for His disciples to imitate this 
Spirit of love and forbearance ! 

i. Unto the Pastor of the church 
In Sardis write : These things saith He 
Who hath the Spirit's perfect power, 
And guards the pastors of His flock ; 
I know, full well, thy fruitless works, 
A name to live hast thou, while dead 
To all the Gospel's holy claims ! 

2. To watch and strengthen what remains 
Of that already near to decth, 

Must be thy prompt and faithful work. 

3. Remember, therefore, how thou hast 
Received and heard the living word ; 
Hold fast the truth ; repent of sin ; 

Or else, if thou dost cease to watch, 
E'en as a thief, I'll come to thee, 
And thou shalt not discern the hour 



IS REVELATION. 



In which, with wrath, I'll surely come. 

4. But e'en in Sardis some are found 
Whose garments have not been denied 
By sin and dead formality. 

And they shall walk with me in white, 
Fpr worthy are they of this grace. 

5. He that o'ercometh shall be clothed 

In spotless robes, — Christ's righteousness, 

And never from the Book of Life 

Shall his fair name be blotted out ; 

And I will soon confess his name 

Before my Father and the hosts 

Of angels round His heavenly throne. 

6. He who will listen, let him hear 
The Spirit's message to each church. 

7. And to the Pastor of the church 
In faithful Philadelphia, 

Thus saith the True and holy One. 
Who holdeth David's royal key, 
To open doors in heaven or earth. 
In face of all the powers of deatli : 

8. I know thy works which thou hast wrought 
Behold, before thee widely stands 

An open door of usefulness, 
Which men or demons cannot shut ! 
For thou hast still a little strength, 
By holding fast my faithful word 
And not denying my great name ; 
,,. Behold, 1 soon will surely make 
The si nagogue of Satan, who 



REVELATION. 19 



So falsely boast that they are Jews, 
Come low before thy very feet 
And know the love I bear to thee ! 

10. Because thou hast so fully kept 
My word of patience and of truth, 
Thee I will keep in that dark hour, 
When trials, like a fearful storm, 
Shall overspread a guilty world, 
All men to try who dwell on earth. 

1 1 . Behold ! I surely, quickly come ; 
Hold fast thy faith, so strong in me, 
That no man take thy heavenly crown, 

12. He who o'ercometh I will make 
A pillar in the church of God, 

No more, forever, to go out ; 

On him I'll write my Father's name, 

And city of Jerusalem, 

Which cometh down from God and heaven 

Among the sons of men to dwell. 

13. He who hath ears, oh, let him hear 
What God, the Spirit, saith to all 

The Churches of the Son of God. 

14. Next, to the Pastor of the Church 
In La'docea plainly write, 

These things saith He, Amen His name, 
God's witness, true and faithful, He, 

15. Creator of all things : — 

I know 
Thy works, that neither cold nor hot 
Art thou ; I would thou wert thus cold 



20 REVELATIOX. 



i 6. Or hot ; so then, because of zeal 

Thus lukewarm and so valueless. 

I'll quickly spew thee from my mouth ! 

17. Because thou say'st, "Increased in goods 
And rich am I, with naught to wish " ; 

Vet knowest not that thou art poor 
And blind and wretched in my sight ! 

18. I counsel thee to buy of me 

The truth, like gold made pure by fire, 

And rich become in very deed ; 

And also seek that raiment white — 

My righteousness so freely given, — 

To hide thy shame and nakedness; 

And thy weak eyes with eye salve heal, 

That thou may'st know and serve thy Lord. 

19. I chasten and rebuke all whom 
1 therefore, love ; be zealous, now, 
And turn from all thy evil ways. 

20. Behold ! 1 stand at every door 
And knock, and thus admission seek 
Into each sinful human heart ; 

And every man who heeds my voice, 
Op'ning to me his heart's true door, 
I'll enter in and sup with him 
And he with me, on heavenly fare. 
Till the deep hunger of the soul 
Is fully satisfied in me ! 

21. To him who overcometh sin, 
I'll surely giant a royal seat 

( m heavenly honor, power and joy. 



RE VELA TION. 21 



With me on my own throne on high, — 
As I o'ercame and now sit down 
With my own Father on His throne. 
22. He who will yield attentive ear, 
Let him heed what the Spirit saith 
To all the churches of his Lord. 



A'/- IV-LAT/OJV. 



CHAPTER IV. 

GOD AND HIS GOVERNMENT DESCRIBED. 

This chapter gives us a most beautiful figurative descrip- 
tion of God in His royal majesty, and yet peaceful and 
gracious character, surrounded by the representatives of His 
Church on earth ; also of I lis government, symbolized by 
four living creatures, each of which represents some impor- 
tant attribute of that government as administered by (rod's 
providence in all ages, by all the heavenly and human 
agencies which he has appointed. 

i. 'Twas after this I looked, and lo ! 
A door was opened into heaven ; 
The first voice which I heard was like 
A trumpet speaking thus to me, — 
"Come hither, and I'll show thee things 
Which must hereafter be fulfilled." 

2. At once the Spirit's mighty power 
Took full possession of my soul 
And filled it with prophetic light; 
Behold ! a throne then met my gaze, 
High and exalted o'er all worlds ; 

3. And on that august throne sat One, 
Whose costly robes, in color like 

The jasper, or a sardine stone, 

Proclaimed Him King o'er heaven and earth! 

The iris, like an emerald fair, 



REVELATION. 23 



Sweet peace proclaimed to all His saints ; 

4. And round His throne were other thrones, 
And on these seats of honor sat 

The four and twenty elders of 

Our Lord, blest representatives 

Of his own church victorious, 

Clad in the purest raiment white, — 

The perfect righteousness of Christ, — 

With crowns of gold upon their heads, — 

A royal priesthood unto God . 

5. Proceeding from this kingly throne 
Were lightnings fierce and thunders loud, 
And voices filling me with dread ; — 
Denoting justice, power and wrath : 
Seven burning lamps before the throne 
Proclaimed the Spirit's- presence and 
His perfect knowledge joined with power. 

6. Before the throne was spread a sea 
Of glass, like unto crystal, clear 

And calm as summer's placid waves, — 
True emblem of the hosts of God, 
Redeemed, obedient and blest ! 
And in the midst and round the throne, 
Four living creatures full of eyes, 
Before, behind, — expressing thus 
Great wisdom, so were they prepared 
God's government to shadow forth 
By all created powers and agencies. 

7. In form the first creature was like 
A lion, thus denoting power 



RF.l'ELATJOX. 



O'er all the nations of the earth ; 

Strength and enduranee, too, were seen 

By a young bullock standing forth. 

The third symbolic creature was 

A man, in face and features, thus 

Denoting wisdom deep, in all 

The plans and purposes of God: 

A Hying eagle was the last, 

Grand emblem of God's government, 

To show the speed with which He moves 

To execute His sovereign will: 

S. Each wondrous creature six wings had, 

And every wing was full of eyes, 

Expressing prompt and perfect power; 

Both day and night, and resting not, 

They cry, " Holy, holy, holy, 

Lord God Almighty, ever blest, 

Who was, and is, and is to come !" 

<). And when the creatures glory, thanks 

And honors give to Him who sits 

Upon the throne, and evermore 

Shall live and reign o'er every world, 

10. The four and twenty elders fall 
Prostrate before the throne of Him 
Who sits thereon, and all with one 
United voice adore our God, 

Who ever lives; and cast their crowns 
Before His throne, and loudly cry, — 

11. "Worthy, oh Lord, art Thou to have 
All glory, power and honor given ; 



RE VELA TION. 25 



For all things Thou did'st erst create, 
And for Thy pleasure they exist, 
Past, present and forevermore ! " 



26 REVELATION. 



CHAPTER V. 

CHRIST AND THE SEALED BOOK. 

This chapter describes the mysterious Book of Prophecy, 
sealed with seven seals which no one but Christ could 
unloose. For this meritorious power He is first praised by 
the Eiders and the living creatures; then John heard ;\ll the 
Angels of heaven join in this chorus of praise, and next, nol 
only every one in heaven, but also on earth, united in ascrip- 
tions of honor and praise to the Lamb of God for His power 
to reveal to His disciples the mysteries of the future, so neces- 
sary for our Spiritual instruction and welfare. 

i . And in the strong right hand of Him 
Who sat upon the throne of heaven 
Was seen a book, written within, 
Without, in words unknown to men ; 
With seven seals the book was sealed: 

2. With loudest voice, an angel, strong, 
Proclaimed, "Who, who is worthy to 
Unloose the seals and read the book ? " 

3. But not on earth nor yet in heaven 
Was found a soul to ope the book 
And loose the seven seals thereof, 

( )r even look thereon in peace ! 

4. Much then I wept because no man 
Was worth}' found to loose the seals, 
And read the words this book contained, 
And tell the future of the church! 



REVELATION. 27 



5. One of the elders saith to me, 
" Behold ! the Lion of the Tribe 
Of Judah, root of David, hath 
Prevailed to open wide this book 
And loose the seven seals thereof." 

6. Lo ! as I looked, within the throne, 
The living creatures keeping guard, 
Surrounded by the elders true, 

A Lamb as if it had been slain ; 
The perfect Sacrifice for sin — 
Seven horns and eyes had He to show 
Almighty power and knowledge vast — 
E'en as the Holy Spirit hath 
All knowledge, so the Son of God 
Possesses every attribute 
Belonging to the Triune God. 

7. He came with Spirit calm and mild 
And from the hand of Him who sat 
Upon the throne He took the book, 
Mysterious, prophetic book ; — 

8. At once prostrate before the Lamb 
Fell Living creatures, Elders, all, 

Each having harps with which to praise, 
And golden vials which contain 
Most precious odours — prayers of saints, 
A fragrant incense to their God. 

9. A sweet new song they loudly sung, 
"Worthy art thou, oh Christ of God, 
To take this book and loose its seals, 
For thou wast slain and hast redeemed 



REVELATION. 



Us unto God from every tongue 
And tribe and kindred of the earth ; 

10. And unto God hast made us Kings 
And priests to reign in righteousness 
In highest heaven and on the earth." 

1 1 . And lo ! the voice of angels loud, 
Thousands of thousands, now were heard 
Uniting in this song of praise ; 

12. "Worthy the Lamb who once was slain 
All power and wisdom to receive, 

Honor and glory evermore ! " 

13. And every creature in the heavens 
Or on the earth, or under earth, 

Or in the seas, yea, everything 

That breathed the breath of life heard I 

Cry, "Blessing, honor, glory, power, 

Forever be ascribed to Him 

Who sitteth on the throne and to 

The Lamb, God's well-beloved Son ! '* 

1 4. And the living Creatures with the 
Elders, falling prostrate, worshiped Him, 
God over all, who lives for aye. 



REVELATION. 29 



CHAPTER VI. 

THE DECLINE AND FALL OF PAGAN ROME. 

This chapter contains a series of wonderful prophecies, 
uttered through the medium of the most startling and yet 
beautiful figures. As the predictions of Revelation, according 
to the inspired declaration of John, were "shortly" to begin 
to be fulfilled we naturally lo*ok back to the history of the 
times immediately succeeding the writing of this book. And 
we, therefore, find a consecutive and complete fulfillment of 
these predictions from near the days of the Apostles to the 
final overthrow of pagan Rome, all of which is embraced in 
this chapter. The white horse with his warrior-rider, evidently 
refers to the prosperous reign of the Roman Emperors — from 
the death of Domitian, A. D. 96, to the accession of Commo- 
dity A. 1). 180 — nearly one hundred years, when Rome was 
at the zenith of her power and glory, before the beginning of 
those internal wars and northern invasions, which caused her 
final decline and fall. 

The second horse, which was red, denoted war and carnage 
as described in the paraphrase, in which the symbolical 
meaning of the other horses and their riders it explained. 

1. When one of those mysterious seals 
Was opened, by the Lamb, I heard 
One of the living Creatures say, 
In tones of thunder, " Come, and see ! " 
2 And, as I looked, Lo ! I beheld 
A Warrior bold on a white horse — 
An emblem of triumphant arms ; 
And unto him was given a bow 
And Kingly crown, as forth he went, 
A Conqueror, to conquests great 



30 RE I KLA T/OA r . 



O'er all who opposed his prosperous reign. 
T'was in these days of peace and power, 
Till near a hundred years had Bed, — 
When Nerva, Trajan. Adrian, 
And both the Anton ines held sway. 
When Rome was at the zenith of 
Her power and glory in the world ; 
And every nation trembled at 
Her name and bold, victorious arms. 

3. And when the second seal was loosed 
I heard the second Creature say, — 

" Come, see the desolations here 
Revealed, to warn and guide the Church ! 

4. Then, Lo ! another horse went forth. 
In color red, denoting war; 

To him who sat thereon was given 
The power to banish peace from earth, 
Permitting wasting wars to rage 
In fatal fury for a time ; — 
Till near another hundred years 
Had passed, internal wars prevailed. 

5. And when the next seal was unloosed. 
The living Creature third then spake. 
Inviting all to come and see : 

As I beheld, lo! a black horse 

Came forth, and on this horse sat one 

Who held a pair of balances, 

And from the throne of God in heaven, 

Surrounded by the living ones, - 

God's government personified, 



REVELATION. 31 



6. A voice proclaimed, 

" Wheat shall be sold, 
Each measure for a penny " — yea, 
The price of one hard day of toil — 
" One quart of wheat for fourteen cents ; 
Three quarts of barley for the same." 
This scarcity was caused by hard 
And unjust taxes levied on 
The men who tilled the rugged soil, 
Until, in desperation,. they 
Refused to toil for naught only 
To fill the coffers of their Kings : 
They then destroyed their olive-trees, 
And vines, and wheat refused to sow; — 
But soon the imperial edict came, 
" See that thou hurt not oil or wine 
On pain and penalty of" death ! " 
Thus they were forced to labor on 
By tyrants seeking not their weal, 
Nor caring for the public good : 
The Roman Empire hastened thus 
Its own decline and final fall. 

7. And when the next seal was unloosed 
The living Creature fourth I heard 

8. Proclaim, " Come, see ! " and, as I looked, 
Behold ! a pale horse next was seen ; 

" Death " was his name who sat thereon, 
And Hades followed after him, — 
As though the graves were opened, and 
The dead were in his retinue, 



82 KKl'KLATION. 



So fearful was the carnage wrought, 
By sword and famine, long and dire, 
By wild and rav'ning beasts of prey, 
By Civil wars and foreign hordes 
( )f northmen, warriors fierce and bold, 
Invading Rome's fair empire vast; 
Near two score years the carnage raged, 
Till Rome was humbled in the dust. 

9. And when the fifth seal was unloosed, 
Under the altar, symbol true 

Of Christ's great sacrifice for sin, 

I saw the souls of those who, slain 

Because of testimony given 

By them for Christ and His blest Word, — 

10. With one united heart and voice — 
" How long, oh, true and holy Lord, 
Ere thou shalt judge and swift avenge 
Our blood on those who dwell on earth ? " 

1 1. Then unto them white robes were given, 
And they were told that they should rest 
A little season yet, until 
Their brethren, who were still on earth. 
Should seal by martyrdom, as they 
Had done, their faith in Cod's pure word. 

12. And when the sixth seal was unloosed, 
A mighty earthquake shook the earth ; 
The sun grew black as sackcloth made 

Of blackest hair; the silvery moon 
Became a crimson red, like blood ; 

13. And like untimely figs, the stars 



REVELATION. 33 



Fell darkling to the trembling earth ! 

14. The very heavens departed like 
A scroll together quickly rolled, 
Mountains and islands too were moved 
Far from their native places, as 
Though nature was convulsed in death ! 
A figure too, and prophecy, 

Of God's great, final, judgment day ! 

15. And now the Kings who ruled the earth, 
And all the rich and mighty men, 

And those in bonds as well as free, 
Fled to the mountain dens and caves, 

16. And cried, " Fall on us, oh, ye rocks 
And mountains great, and hide us from 
The frowning face of God and from 
The wrath of His own Son, the Lamb ! 

17. The day of wrath, to pagan Rome, 
So long delayed, at last has come ; 
And who can stand the awful test ? " 
As this proud pagan empire oft 

Had filled the cup of hellish wrath, 
And pressed it to the lips of saints, 
God now returned the selfsame cup, 
Filled with His indignation just, 
Till rulers in their anguish cried 
To heaven for mercy, and confessed 
Their cruel persecutions of 
The true and righteous sons of God ! 
And now, high-seated on the throne 
Of Rome's vast empire, Constantine, 



RE I EL A TION 



The friend of Christ's long-suffering church, 
Proclaimed by edicts grand and just 
That He who is the King of Kings 
Should be adored, obeyed and loved, 
And that the Church of His dear Son 
Should be protected, honored, served 
By him and all his subjects true ; 
The worship of dumb idols was 
By law condemned, and God alone 
Acknowledged over all Supreme ! 



REVELATION. 35 



CHAPTER VII. 



OPENING AND EXPLANATION OF SEALS CONTINUED. 



This chapter describes the restraining of the Northern hordes 
from overrunning Rome until, during a prolonged time of 
peace, under Constantine and other emperors who were favor- 
able to Christianity, God should seal and save a large number 
of souls to the praise of the riches of His grace. 



i . ' Twas after these terrific scenes, 

With Constantine now on the throne, 

I saw four angels standing at 

The corners of the earth to hold 

The four winds of the world, that they 

Should not blow fiercely o'er the land 

Or sea, uprooting trees laden 

With fruit, or wrecking ships at sea ; — 

True emblem, this, of that restraint 

By which the northern hordes were held 

In check, of God, till multitudes 

From every clan and tribe and tongue, 

Should be redeemed and sealed to Christ, 

2. Like rising sun in eastern sky, 

In regal splendor and in power, 

Another Angel came in view — 

The Lord and Saviour of His church, 

With th' seal and sanction of our God, 



3li 



Kh I F.LA TIOX. 



And cried, with voice of Sovereign might, 

To those four Angels who had power 

To overwhelm proud Rome in war; 

3. " Restrain the winds and storms of strife, 

Which soon, full soon, shall desolate 

The earth, till we have sealed the souls, 

To me in covenant given, before 

The world was made to be my own 

Forever, purchased by my blood. 1 ' 

;. And now, I, John, with thankfulness 

To God heard told the number vast 

5. Thus saved, of Jews a harvest true, 

6. From every tribe, who turned to Christ 

7. In these glad times of fulness 

S. And refreshing to the Gentile world : 
9. And after this another sight. 
More glorious still, burst on my view ; 
A multitude, too great to count. 
From every nation, tongue and clime. 
Before the throne of Cod, the Lamb. 
Stood forth, clothed in the spotless robes 
Of Christ, our Righteousness, with palms 
lu their glad hands, emblems of joy 
And victory, while with one voice 
10. They cried : " S ilvation to our God 
Upon the thrune and to the Lamb !" 
1 1. And all the Angels round the throne, 
Who stand as sentinels, on guard. 
About the church, fell low before 
The throne upon their faces, and 



REVELATION. 37 



12. They worshiped God and said: "Amen! 

Yea, 
Blessing, glory, wisdom, power, 
With everlasting praises great, 
Be to our God, Most High, Amen ! " 

13. One of the Elders then inquired 
Of me, " Who are these thus arrayed 
In robes of spotless white, and whence 

14. Came they ?" 

I unto him replied, 
"Thou knowest, oh, most noble Sir." 
"These are they," said he, "who out of 
Tribulations great have come, and 
Who have cleansed their garments in the 
Precious blood of Christ, the Lamb. 

15. Therefore are they before the throne ■ 
Of God and serve Him day and night, 

In His own temple, made with hands ; 
And He who sits upon the throne 

16. Shall dwell among them ; and they ne'er 
Shall hunger more, nor thirst for peace, 
Nor shall the sun smite them with 
Hurtling blasts of wrathful heat; — 

Their royal rulers shall protect 

And bless the church which Christ doth bless 

17. The Lamb, though seated on His throne, 
Shall be their Shepherd still, to feed 

Them in the pastures of His grace ; 
And to the fountains of His love, 
Sweetly He'll guide them, and their God 



38 REVRLATIOX. 



Shall wipe all tears away as they 
Recount the wond'rous way by which 
They have been saved from all their foes. 
Then answered were the earnest prayers 
Of dying martyrs, that their blood 
Might be avenged on all their foes 
On earth, who had for ages ruled 
O'er them in fiendish pride and power, 
Through persecutions ten, till hope 
And patience were well nigh worn out. 
And now the church enjoyed long rest, 
And peace, while daily, multitudes 
Were added to them, such as should 
Be saved when Christ again shall come 
To gather up His jewels rare, 
"And place them in His diadem 
Where they shall shine forevermore. 
For four-score happy years and more, 
These halcyon days of peace, the church 
Enjoyed, in which the blasting winds 
( )f war and persecution were 
Restrained by God's own mighty power 
Idolatry, which ruled the world 
So many ages by its dark 
And senseless rites and cruel deeds, 
Was banished from the land by law; 
And God's own Kingdom, in its stead, 
Reigned far and wide as Sin had ruled! 



kEVELATION. 31) 



CHAPTER VIII. 

SEVENTH SEAL OPENED AND WOE-TRUMPETS 
SOUNDED. 



The opening of the Seventh Seal and the appearance of 
the Seven Angels, each with his trumpet. These woe- 
trumpets included predictions concerning the complete over- 
throw of imperial and also of papal Rome, from the invasion 
of the Roman Empire by Alaric, King of the Goths, A. D. 
395-410, until the beginning of the millenium which is yet 
future. 



1. And when the seventh seal was loosed, 
Silence and peace prevailed for half 
An hour throughout the Christian world : — 
Freedom from psrsecution still 
The church enjoyed, for a short space ; 
And yet forebodings of a war, 
A desolating war by hordes 
Of cruel northmen, made this peace 
Oppressive, like the awful calm 
Preceding and presaging storms 
Which burst upon the earth in wild 
And awful majesty and power. 
Barbarian arms, already, had 
Made inroads on th? soil of Rome ; 
And, like vast flocks of carrion birds, 



40 REVELATIOX 



These armies hovered near, ready 
To feast upon the carcass of 
This old, effete and dying realm : 
The winds of war, so long restrained, 
Had now become a whirlwind, which 
Should execute the wrath of God 
On this old Kingdom for her sins 
Of greed, and violence, and war, 
Toward weaker nations, till her cup 
Of guilt was full and called to heaven 
For retribution, deep and long ! 

2. Therefore the seven Angels, strong, 
Which stood before the Throne of God 
Received commission to proclaim, 
With trumpets loud, the coming woes 

3. Of Rome. 

Another angel came 
And stood before the Altar, where 
God's sacrifice for sin was laid — 
The pure and spotless Son of God — 
A golden censer in his hand he held, 
And unto him was freely given 
Much incense, — symbolic of the 
Merits of our Saviour God, 
That He should offer it with all 
The prayers of all the Saints to God 
Upon the golden altar, which 
Before the awful throne of Heaven 

4. Was seen ; and from the Angel's hand 
The fragrari incense rose to heaven ; 



REVELATION. 41 



A sacrifice and offering meet. 

5. The censer next the Angel took 

And filled with altar fire, 

And cast it quickly down to earth, 

In answer to the plaints and prayers 

Of God's elect, who, night and day, 

Had cried to Him for vengeance on 

This cold and cruel government, 

That cared for naught save pomp 

And power, for gold and empty fame ! 

Then voices, lightnings, thunderings, 

And earthquakes terrible, proclaimed 

These woes at hand. Doubts, tumults, and 

Commotions wild, in church and state, 

Exposed the weak and rotten base 

On which this mighty kingdom stood ; 

And thus invited foreign foes, 

Like rav'ning beasts, to fall upon 

And tear in pieces, limb by limb, 

This great but helpless tyrant, Rome. 

16. And now the trumpet sounded forth 
From angel lips that war had come ; 

17. Then swiftly fell the dreadful storm 
Of hail, and fire, and blood, until 

A third of all the trees were burned, 
And all green grain and grass destroyed — 
True symbols these of bloody war : 
King of the Goths, Alaric, bold 
Fell on the country like a storm — 
Like a tornado wild and fierce 



42 REVELATION. 



His northern hordes swept o'er the land, 
I testroying trees and standing grain, 
Defying laws and killing men, 
Until one third of all the power 
And prestige of old Rome was gone ! 

8. The second Angel sounded next, 
And, as it were, a mountain great, 
Burning with fire, into the sea 
Was cast, and suddenly a third 

Part of the sea was turned to blood ; — 

9. A third of all the sea contained 
Of value to the state was lost ; 
The vandal King, Genseric, bold, 
Led on his legions to the fray, 
Inspiring them by Rome's deserts 

And they the " sword in God's own hand," 
By which earth's proudest nation must 
Be punished, scourged and overthrown ! 
Italia's long extended coast, — 
The shores of Spain, Greece, Sicily, 
Yea, from the columns of Old Hercules 
E'en to the wide-mouthed Nile, swift-winged 
These vandals carried terror, death 
And desolation, till a third 
Of Rome's vast naval power was gone, — 
A third of all her ships destroyed, 
.And her once Sovereign rule o'er all 
The seas was broken evermore 1 

10. The third Angel next sounded forth 
Another call to bloody wai \ 



REVELATION. 43 



A burning star was seen to fall 

From th' heavens headlong to the earth; 

Like some huge, blazing meteor, 

[t fell upon a third of all 

The rivers and the fountains, which 

From the lofty Alps poured forth 

Their precious treasures o'er the land. 

n. " Wormwood " the name of this red star, 

And bitter were the .waters made, 

Till multitudes had died therefrom ; — 

So fell Attila, proud, upon 

The tottering Empire of old Rome : 

The " Sword of Mars," he named himself, — 

That fiery star, the "God of war," 

Fit emblem was of this fierce King 

Whose seat of war was near the Alps ; 

And like its rushing streams he led 

His conquering hosts, the Huns, 

Far o'er the plains of Europe, till 

From river Euxine's shores unto 

The Adriatic Sea, Attila's power 

Was felt in carnage wild and long. 

Of Rome's domain, so vast, 

A third part met in battles fierce, 

For two-score years, this " Scourge of God "; 

And even when he passed away, 

And his great army fell apart, 

Still bitter and destructive were 

The waters left, as, cursed of God ! 

The sources of Rome's government, 



44 RE TELA 77 OX. 



Were failing fast ; — the Empire's star 
Was setting in a sea of blood ! 

12. By angel lips the trumpet fourth 
Was heard, denouncing further woe : — 
The northern enemies of Rome 

Still planned and plotted war and death ;- 

That heathen chief, Odoacer 

Led forth the Heruli, and like 

A dark portentous storm, 

By them the very heavens grew dark, 

The sun, and moon, and stars shone dim, 

Until one third their light was gone ! 

Twas thus one third of day and night — 

One third the Christian era should 

This darkness dense reign o'er the earth, 

Until again the light would shine, 

In fullness and in beauty, when 

" The times of reformation from 

The Lord " should come in Luther's day. 

'Twas now Rome's mighty empire fell 

And lost her name as well as power : 

The Italian kingdom took her place, 

And northern kings ruled at their will. 

13. And I beheld with trembling awe, 
An angel, as with eagle's wings, 
Midst heaven swiftly fly and cry, 

In loud and bitter tones, " Woe ! 

Woe ! woe I to earth's inhabitants. 

By reason of the trumpets three. 

Which o'er the world must shortly sound." 



REVELATION. 



CHAPTER IX. 



RISE AND DOMINATION OF MOHAMMEDANISM. 



This chapter evidently refers to the Mohammedan delu- 
sion ; — to the power of Mohammed and his armies in punish- 
ing those who had rejected the gospel, and in propagating his 
own errors at the point of the sword and by the use of fire- 
arms, which had then been discovered and were used in war. 



i. And now the Angel fifth was heard, 
In trumpet tones, proclaiming woe : 
From the heavens a star then fell, 
Like burning meteor swiftly hurled, 
From some strange planet, down to earth, 
Blazing and hissing in his path 
Of death, on wild destruction bent! 
'Twas thus Mohammed, cursed of heaven, 
Began his work of death ; a scourge 
And deadly curse, raised up of God 
Like one of old, as a sharp sword 
To punish those who wilfully 
Rejected Christ and that rich grace, 
Which He for ages proffered them : — 
And now God gives them over to 
Their choice; and proud and cruel men 
Make merchandise of them until 
They howl in agony and pain \ 



1.; REV ELATION. 



To this false Prophet there was given 

2. The key of hell's abyss, with which 
This soundless pit he opes ; from thence 
A smoke, as from a furnace hot, 

Came forth and darkened sun and sky; — 

3. And from the smoke vile locusts came, 
To war and forage o'er the earth ; 

And unto them was given power, 
Such as the dreaded scorpions have, 
To sting and kill the sons of men. 

4. By their commander they were held 
From injuring grass or trees of earth, 
Or any green and living thing, 

But only wicked men on whom 

The seal of God had not been placed. 

5. But these fierce, human locusts were 
Restrained from killing these same men, 
But to torment them they had power — 
These hardened enemies of God, 

For five mysterious months, which by 

Interpretation means a year 

For each prophetic day, and thus 

For fifty and one hundred years, 

These bitter woes should reign o'er them ! 

Like scorpion stings, which strike the flesh 

With torments deep and long, the)- caused 

Their captives hardships to endure 

Beyond the power of tongue to tell. 

6. \nd in those days did men seek death. 
because of persecutions sharp and long, 



REVELATION. 47 



Yet could not find the welcome boon — 
Their persecutors sparing life, 
That men might live to suffer more 
Than death itself an hundredfold. 

7. Like horses, ready for the fray, 
These locusts looked, and on their heads 
Were yellow turbans which appeared 
Like crowns of gold; with faces like 
The faces of fierce warriors bold, 

Thus showing that these foes were men ; 

8. And yet long hair had they, twisted 
And braided, like a woman's hair, 
And cruel teeth- like lion's teeth, 
With which to rend and tear their foes: 

9. They also iron breastplates wore, 
Like locusts' hard and horny breasts,— 
Well clad in armor thus were they; 
And like the sound of many wheels 

Of battle-chariots was heard 

This cloud of countless locusts' wings. 

10. These hordes of savage Saracens 
Stung and tormented men until 

The five prophetic months had passed: 
n. And over them they had a king — 
From hell's abyss a messenger — 
Abaddon, in the Hebrew tongue, 
His name, Apolyon in the Greek, 
Which means in both these tongues 
Destroyer; and who, oh, who 
So worthy of this demon name 



I- REVELATION. 



As bold Mohammed, prophet false, 

Both Priest and King of his fierce church? 

12. One woe is passed, and, lo! two woes 

13. Shall follow this : 

Then sounded forth 
The Angel sixth with trumpet blast; — 
I heard a voice which issued from 
The golden altar with its horns 
Of strength, in number four, which stands 
Before the God of heaven and earth, — 
Making the prayers of saints prevail, — 

14. Saying to the Angel sixth which had 
The trumpet : "Loose the angels four, 
Bound in Euphrates' ancient stream." 

15. And these four angels then were loosed, 
Which were prepared, as heaven's scourge, 
To slay and kill one third the men, 
Where these fierce wars should rage ; — 
For one prophetic hour and day 

And month and year, predicted times 
And periods in which these wars 
Were waged, and tl.us it was 
That God's own word might be fulfilled. 

16. 1 also heard the number given 
Of this vast horde of horsemen swift, 
••Two hundred thousand, thousand men." 

17. And in the vision thus 1 saw 
These horses and the men who sat 

On them; breastplates of fire had they, — 
( )f jacinth and brimstone they seemed: 



REVELATION. 49 



With lions' heads these horses were 
Possessed, denoting craft and strength ; 
And from their mouths there issued fire 

18. And smoke and brimstone — by these three 
One third of all their foes were killed ; 

19. For their great power is in their mouths 
And in their tails, and these same tails 
Like serpents were, with fatal fangs : 

Thus did the Turkish -army fight, 

With fresh-invented means of death ; — 

By powder, shot, with deadly power, 

Their foes they o'ercame, and thus 

The vision was fulfilled of "fire 

And smoke and brimstone," by which John 

Beheld these men o'ercome and killed. 

And after they had conquered them, 

By hard and grinding laws they held 

Them in a bondage worse than death! 

19. Thus by their mouths they killed a part, 
And by their tails, with serpent mouths, 
Tormented those who were not killed : 

20. But these same men who were not slain, 
Though thus oppressed, repented not, 

Nor ceased to worship demons fierce, 
Instead of serving God's own Son ; 
The works of their own hands they served, 
And worshiped gods of wood and stone 
Which cannot see or hear or talk: 

21. Neither repented they of all 
Their murders, thefts, nnd sorceries, 
Nor of their vile adulteries. 



50 REVELATION. 



CHAPTER X. 



LUTHER AND THE REFORMATION. 

Ip this chapter we have a true and beautiful description of 
the reformation in Luther's day. 

Under the figure of an "angel", or messenger, a term 
applied in the first chapter of Revelation to ministers of the 
gospel, Luther appears, like the rising sun, to drive away 
the mists and darkness of papal superstitions; but his lion-like 
protest receives from the " Seven-hilled City " of Rome only 
her anathemas. 

The Reformers spiritually eat and digest the truths of the 
Bible, which Luther unchains and opens to all the people, and 
the prediction, which has since been fulfilled, is made, that 
the preaching of these Bible-truths must be heard among all 
nations. 

i . I saw a mighty Angel come 

From heaven, — a messenger of power 

And purity, God's minister, 

To teach and bless benighted souls; 

Such Luther was, God's servant true, ■ 

Clothed with a dark, mysterious cloud, — 

Symbolic of the ignorance, 

So gross and deep, which filled the world; — 

A rainbow round his head was seen 

To prove the darkling storm was now 

About to break, while light and peare 

Should shed their radiance far and wide: 



RE VELA TION. 51 



His heavenly face shone like the sun, 
Denoting knowledge vast and clear, 
Which, like the sun's benignant rays, 
Should dissipate the darkness deep, 
And cause the world to know the truth : - 
Like fiery pillars were his feet, — 
So strong and swift God's will to do. 

2. Within his hand he held a book, — 
Wide opened held a little book ; — 
The word of God was now about 

To be unchained and opened wide 
And taught to all who dwell on earth, 
To all who gladly hear the truth 
And wish to know and do God's will : 
With right foot on the broad, deep sea, 
And left foot resting on the earth, 
He taught the fact that, far and wide, 
O'er land and sea, his words should go 
In opposition to the papal power ; 

3. Thus like the lion's awful roar 

His voice was heard, denouncing wrath 
Against the errors of the Church 
Whereby the souls of men were drowned 
In depths of darkness and of woe ! 
But, hark! the Seven-hilled City, Rome, 
Her wrathful thunders hurls at him ; — 
Anathemas, like lightnings, fall 
About his consecrated head ! 

4. Attention at the first he gives 

To what the Church in wrath proclaims, 



REVELATION. 



But soon a voice from heaven he hears. 
Commanding him to seal the words 
Rome thundered forth and write them not 
Her cup of wrath was well-nigh filled, 

And all her words he must abjure, 
And all her wrath, thro 1 Christ, defy ! 

5. The angel standing on the sea 
And on the earth, with lifted hand, 

6. Sware by the Maker of all things 
That time no longer should delay, 

7. But while the seventh angel sounds 
Prophetic mysteries should end, 

As to His prophets God had said. 

8. Again the voice from heaven I heard, 
Commanding me to go and take 

The little book from angel hands, — 

9. I went, the angel gave and said, 
" Take, eat it up, and it shall make 
Thy belly bitter, yet in thy 
Mouth as sweet as honey it shall 
.0. lie": 

I took the little book and 
Ate it up, and, lo ! like honey 
In the comb, 'twas sweet unto my taste: 
i Precious, indeed, was God's own word 
To holy men in those dark days,) 
And yet as soon as they did eat 
Of this blest word, the bitterness 
Of papal persecution fell, 

To mar and rend their peaceful souls ! 



RE VELA TION. 53 



1 1 . Again the angel spake and said ; - 
" Before all peoples, nations, kings, 
This book, so long neglected by 
The papal church, like leaves shall fly, 
To heal and save the souls of men ! 



54 REVELATION, 



CHAPTER XI. 

THE DEATH, RESURRECTION AND TRIUMPH OF III! 
WITNESSES OVER ROMANISM. 



This chapter continues the description of the work of the 
reformation. Luther's mission, next to exposing the errors 
and corruptions of Rome, was to unfold anew the doctrines 
of grace, especially the doctrine of justification alone by faith, 
as symbolized by the "altar", which he was to measure and 
place in its true position in the church of Christ. The testi- 
mony of the "two witnesses", i. c. the true church, during the 
twelve hundred and sixty years of papal domination, which 
began A. D. 606. and their temporary defeat and destruction 
at the end of this period by the papal "beast" is also here 
given, with the marvelous results which follow ; all of which 
predictions, we believe, will in the near future, be fulfilled in 
Europe. 

While the end of the world is nowhere in the bible made a 
matter of dates and figures, yet the time when Romanism 
rises and falls is so made, and it is wise for us to ascertain 
these dates. 

It was in A. 1). 606, that Romanism took its rise, as in that 
year l'hocas, the Roman Emperor, by his imperial edict, pro- 
claimed Boniface, the pastor of the church in Rome, head 
over all the pastors and churches in Christendom. By adding 
1260 years, the time in which Romanism was to dominate in 
the world, we come to 1S66. It was in this latter year that 
France, through Napoleon the 3d, withdrew her troops from 
the support of the Papal states, when Italy soon gained her 
unity, and the temporal power of the Tope was paralyzed; 
he since then calling himself a " prisoner ", and refusing to 
be comforted. But there are two other epochs or periods 
spoken of by Daniel; the first thirty years later than 
[866, and the 1. 1st period 45 years beyond that, carrying us to 
\. |). [941. Of this latter period Daniel says, " Blessed is he 
that waiteth and cometh to the thousand three hundred 



REVELATION. 55 



and five and thirty days.'' Concerning" these three periods, 
Thomas Scott, essentially, says they mean that Catholicism 
and other Anti-Christian powers will begin to end in 1866, and 
will probably be completely overthrown by the second period 
(viz.) A. D. 1896, and forty-five years after that, A. D. 1941 
will begin the Millenium. (See Scott's notes on Daniel. 
Chaps. 8 and 12.) 



1. To Luther now a reed was given, 
A measuring rod, to measure true 

The Church of Christ, redeemed by blood, 
In which the Triune God abides, 
As erst he dwelt in Temples made 
With hands : The altar, too, on which 
The bloody sacrifice was laid — 
Symbolic of the Antitype 
The Lord, our sacrifice for sin — 
Must also be described, defined, 
And rightly placed before the world, 
That all might know that grace still reigns,. 
And all who trust in Christ shall live! 
He, also, was required to test 
The faith and works of God's elect, 
Thus separating them from all 
Who held the errors of old Rome. 

2. This court outside the living church, 
Must not be measured, or upheld, 

As still the Church of Christ, our Lord; 
'Twas given to the papal power ; — 
The holy city, Church of Christ, 
Must be, by them, opposed, and for 
Twelve hundred years and sixty should 



:»(•» REVELATION. 



Be proudly trodden underfoot; 
Beginning from the hour, when one 
Poor pastor of the church at Rome 
Was by the emperor proclaimed 
The head o'er all the pastors of 
The realm, and his one church as head 
O'er all the Churehes of our Lord 7 
And for twelve hundred centuries 
And sixty years, in thralldom, should 
These churches basely serve their head! 

3. "But unto my two witnesses," 

Saith Christ, " who hold the truth in love, 

Heaven's power I'll give thro' that long space, 

In which proud Rome shall rule : 

Their testimony true shall be, — 

Altho' in sackcloth and in tears, 

And persecutions unto death, — 

My condemnation of that church, 

Which I no longer own as my 
Pure Bride, but as a harlot, bold, 
Courting the smiles and company 

Of all the proud and vile on earth ; 

Committing fornications with 

The kings and kingdoms which will bow 

In grovelling worship at her feet ! 

4. These witnesses my true church are, 
Called in past ages "olive trees," 
Through which the oil of grace distilled, 
To bless the world with light and truth ; 
And my two golden lamps which held 



REVELATION. 57 



The sacred oil, and stand before the God 
Of heaven, and earth, and, far and wide, 
Flash forth the light on blinded souls ! 

5. And any power which injures them 
Fire from their mouths shall issue forth, 
To blast their foes ; not literal flames 

As when Elijah once defied 
The king and all his myrmidons, 
And called down fire upon their heads — 
But by their words of truth they smite 
With deadlier power their enemies, 
And in this manner are they killed. 

6. And these have power to shut the heavens, 
That rain fall not, until the time 

When God shall please to grant this boon; 

And o'er the waters they have power 

To turn them into blood, — dire wars, 

In answer to their prayers, break forth. 

And nations strong which have defied 

The judgments of High Heaven, have fallen 

Before His throne low in the dust ! 

And often as they will they smite 

The people, steeped in sin, with plagues, 

Thus bring to God the honor due 

His Holy Name : But now, alas ! 

7. When they their testimony end, 
And those twelve centuries have passed, 
The Beast, ascending from th' abyss, 
With fresh and fiercer powers from hell, 
Makes war against these witnesses, 



REVELATION 



And overcomes and kills them; — yet 

8. Refuses decent burial for 

The dead, and keeps their bodies from 
The grave, — to show his great contempt 
And hatred for the church of Christ, 
Which ages long, so true, has been 
To Him and to His truth, — within 
The streets of that vast city where 
Molds rule the Harlot church, which for 
Her sinful practices is called 
" Sodom and Egypt," — where of old 
All forms of superstition reigned, 

And Vice stalked forth with brazen mien, 
To drown the souls of men in woe! — - 
'Twas in such days and deeds as these 
Our Lord was crucified for men. 

9. And all the peoples of the earth, 
All tongues and nations now behold 
These sacred bodies of the just, 
Three and one half prophetic days, — 

Which is for every day a year, — 
And join with Rome in proud contempt 
Of Christ's own martyred saints and will 
Not suffer them to rest beneath 
The sod in quiet graves, but like 
Wild savages, in fiendish glee, 
Abuse and mutilate the dead, 
And hold them up to scorn and shame ! 

10. And they that dwell upon the earth, 
The peoples, nations, kindreds, powers, 



REVELATION. 59 



Shall over them make merry and 
Rejoice, and in their joy send gifts 
To one another, proclaiming thus 
Their pleasure that these prophets true, 
Who had so long tormented them, 

By holding forth the faithful word, — 
Would now no longer trouble men ! 
ii. But, when three and one half short years 
Have passed, God's Spirit enters them; — 
At once upon their feet they stand, 
As erst the bones Ezekiel saw, 
When clothed with flesh and breathed upon 
By God's own Spirit from above, 
Sprang forth to life, an army bold, 
So these slain witnesses arise. 
Clothed with new life and power ; — 
A zeal and courage as of old, 
When Christ's disciples faced e'en death 
Without a fear, — yea, filled with joy! 
1 2. 'Tis now they hear a voice from heaven, 
Inviting them to realms above, 
Where seats of honor wait for them ; — 
And in a body, large and grand, 
They rise, as when the sun breaks forth 
Amidst the clouds, in regal power, 
Dispelling storm and darkness, fear 
And gloom ; 'tis thus Christ's people rise 
Before their now astonished foes ; 
Some are caught up at once to heaven 
By cruel deaths in fighting for 



<•<) REVELATION. 



The truth ; and soon all are brought near 
The thrones of earthly power, and are 
Protected in their civil and 
Religious rights by governments, 
Which for a time had yielded to 
The horrid claims of papal Rome; 
But now, awake to her foul plots 
In state, as well as church, they rise, 
Defending ail their subjects 'gainst 
These papal plans to rob them of 
Their liberty ; as Constantine 
Protected Christians in his day 
And stilled the wrathful waves which beat 
Against them by old pagan Rome : 
This resurrection to new life 
Fills with dismay their enemies 
Who by such heavenly power bestowed 
Read their own doom in words of fire! 
i$. And in that hour an earthquake great, 
A wonderful uprising, grand 
And wide, of many peoples, proves 
That Rome must perish in this last 
Attempt of hers to rule the world! 
All this divine and human aid 
Bestowed upon the church in her 
Dark hour of pain and need was seen 
And felt by all her enemies! 
Well grounded are their fears, for by 
This mighty earthquake is one third 
Of all Rome's power on earth destroyed ! 



REVELATION. 01 



Like some vast building rent and torn 

By nature's wild, convulsive throes, — 

So by the military power 

Of these awakened nations, soon, 

Are slain of her adherents proud, 

Seven thousand men, denoting thus 

That Rome's vast power is broken now, 

No more to threaten war and woe 

Against those nations who refuse 

To own her sway and bow the knee 

To her vile superstitions, born 

Of Hell ! And now the remnant of 

Rome's slaves are frightened and give God 

The glory due His name for these 

Great wonders He has wrought! 

14. The second woe has passed and soon 
The third must follow in its wake; 

15. For thro' the angry heavens was heard 
The Seventh Angel, sounding loud; 

And next great voices in the church 
Were heard proclaiming to all men — 
"The kingdoms of this world are now 
Become the kingdoms of our God 
And of His Christ, Anointed King 
O'er all the kingdoms of the earth, 
And He shall reign forevermore! 

16. Then on their faces fell the four 
And twenty elders giving praise 

To God and crying with one voice 

17. "We give Thee thanks, Almighty God, 



02 REVELATION. 



Who wast, and art, and art to come, 
Because Thou hast Thy mighty power 

1 8. Displayed, and reigned; and angry are 
Those foolish nations, leagued with Rome : 

Yea, Thy great wrath has come, the time 
The dead, in superstitions and 
In sin, should be condemned by Thee, 
And utterly o'erthrown for aye! — 
And that at last reward should come 
To Thy true prophets and Thy saints, 
Who fear and love Thy Holy Name, 
Both small and great in every age, 
And every land, where truth has reigned; — 
Yea dire destruction now has come 
To those who long have cursed the earth, 
By words and deeds corrupt as hell ! 

19. And then, as though the gates of heaven 
Wide opened Hew and all therein 
Revealed, pure gospel truths at last 

Are taught — and thus the antitype 
Of that most sacred ark thro' which 
God once communed with His own church — 
Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ 
Shall be revealed in truth to men ! 
This wondrous reformation is 
Secured amidst the shock and crash 
()t mighty nations, when both crowns 
And kingdoms are destroyed and thus 
The way prepared for liberty, 
And light, and peace, to reign throughout 



REVELATION. 63 



The world, instead of tyranny 
And superstitions dark and deep. 

These closing days of strife and war 
Are like the elements at war 
When tempests, fire, and earthquake meet 
And mingle in a mighty charge 
On this poor trembling world of ours, 
Till strongest hearts grow weak, 
And every face is blanched with fear 
At what is coming on the earth; — 
Yet all this strife and shock is but 
The prelude to the peaceful age, — 
The golden age so long desired, 
Which God has promised to His church, 
When truth and righteousness shall rule 
O'er all the world, as sin has reigned 
Thro' dark and bloody ages past ! 

So come, O. Lord, in mighty strength, 
And banish from a suffering world 
Rome's hateful tyranny and power! 



C4 REVELATION. 



CHAPTER XII. 

A BRIEF SUMMARY OF PREDICTIVE CHURCH HISTORY 
DOWN TO THE PRESENT TIME. 

In the now rapidly moving panorama of prophecy, we have, 
in this chapter, an outline of the history of the Gospel 
Church, from the close of the first century till near the end 
of papal domination. 

From the thirteenth verse to the end of this chapter, we 
have a remarkable prediction concerning the flight of the 
Puritans and Pilgrims, or the true church, to the, then, "wil- 
derness" of North America. Andrew Fuller, and Smith in 
his "Key to Revelation", both agree with the writer that 
it must refer to this country, as it has been the only great 
flight of the church from persecution since the Reformation in 
Luther's day. This prediction gives us hope that in this 
country the struggle will not be so severe and bloody as in 
Europe, as described in the preceding chapter. 

i. A wonder now appears in Heaven — 
Within the church of Christ on earth, 
The type and pledge of that bright world — 
A woman with the sun arrayed, — 
\\ royal garment this, indeed, 
A symbol true of gospel light, 
Which like the sun enlightens all ; 
While underneath her feet the moon, — 
Pale emblem of mosaic rites, — 
Her footstool was. as when the sun 
Arises in the east he causes 



REVELATION. 65 



Moon and stars to fade away, so 
Christ and gospel light were like the sun 
To banish night and cause the moon, — 
The Jewish dispensation old, — 
To yield to His superior light : 

And on her head a royal crown 
Was seen, in which twelve stars like jewels 

flashed, — 
The twelve apostles these, and all 
Who should, as faithful ministers, 
Come after them to guMe the church, 
As stars direct the traveller. 

2. And she, with child, cried out in pain, 
And travailed hard in birth for souls, 
That they true life might find in Christ 
By being born anew in Him. 

3. Another wonder next appeared — 
A great red dragon, having seven 
Heads and ten stout horns and seven 
Crowns upon his heads, a symbol thus 
Of pagan Rome, who, from her Seven- 
Hilled-City, forth her edicts sent 
Against the church, eager as beasts 
Of prey, to rend and tear all who 

In love and truth served God alone : — 
As Herod sought the life of Christ, 
The Babe of Bethlehem, so this 
Proud government an engine was, 
Of Satan, to destroy and vex 
The growing church of Christ on earth. 



66 REVELATION. 



4. This mighty kingdom, vast and strong, — 
Which from their kingly thrones had dragged 
One third earth's reigning potentates 

And bound them to her chariot wheels, — 
Brought her great power against our Lord 
And His dear Church, purchased with His 
Own blood on Calvary. 

Before 
The church the dragon stood to kill 

5. Her children at their birth: 

And she 
Brought forth a manly child, born in 
The image of our Lord and Master, Christ, 
By 'whom we are begotten to 
A living hope, thro' sovereign grace : — 

This child, so helpless at his birth. 
In God's own time shall rule the world 
With just yet perfect power; while o'er 
The earth his reign shall be most mild 
Toward those who yield obedience true, — 
Those who resist in stubbornness 
An iron rod of strong control 
Shall make them serve the truth they hate! 
Thus right should everywhere prevail, 
For Christ must reign in peace and power ; 
As Sin and Satan long had reigned, 
So now the Church should reign o'er Sin, 
While Satan bruised and bleeding at 
Their feet must lie, so soon as God's 
Brave ruler, Constantine, should wear 



RE VELA TION. 67 



The crown ; then as the martyrs for 

The gospel's sake had been caught up 
To God and near His throne, so now 
His people were brought near a throne, — 

An earthly throne, where they found rest 

And freedom from their enemies. 

Thus vile idolatry, at last, 
Was made to hide its horrid head 
In shame and slink away from sight, 
Prohibited and banished by 
Just laws ! 

No limitation this, 
Of freedom for a'l me a to seek 
Their God in honesty of heart : — 
The truth that all should worship Him 
Alone, in spirit and in deed, 
Is written on the very sky 
So plainly none need err, and thus 
The civil law, to this extent, — 
May urge the duty, far and wide, 
To worship God in every way 
And place and time where it is meet.* 
No " liberty of conscience " can 
Releive a people from the call 
To worship Him by Whom the heavens 
And earth were made and now upheld ! 

'Twas then the church had rest and joy, 
And worshiped God and His dear Son, 

*See Mass. " Bill of Rights," which recognizes the duty of 
worshiping God in all suitable ways and places. 



88 REVELATION. 



With none to harm or make afraid, 

And so the saints were multiplied. 
And yet, alas ! this reign of peace 
And rest was used by wicked men 
T" entice God's people into sin, 

By errors subtle, gross, and vile, 

And fatal as seme poisoned cup ! 

Christ's once fair, faithful Uride had turned 

From Him to court the love of this 

Vain world, and so entranced did she 

Become by all this peace and power 

And wealth conferred on her of God, 

That she forgot the Giver in 

The gift and turned to fables and 

To lies, and so, in time, like those 

Old pagan persecutors, she 

Regan to persecute within 

Her fold all who kept truth, and loved 

The same, as plainly taught in God's 

( )wn word. 

This opposition, hard 

To bear, yea fierce and savage as 

Its author Satan, caused the Might 

6. Of those who held the truth, from those 

Who madly sought their lives, 

Into the " wilderness " the wild 
And rugged Alpine vales and mounts, 
Where they might worship God and His 
Dear Son, and read, obey, and teach 
The (ruth, as in I lis word revealed. — 



REVELATION. 69 



Into those mountain fastnesses 
Where God prepared for them a place, 
And where they should be kept and fed, 
E'en till the long prophetic time 
In which the papal power doth rule 
Shall end : 

'Tis here amidst the grand 
Old Alps, whose hoary heads reach up 
Toward heaven, as if to beckon men 
To seek the skies, they still serve God, 
And every morning when the light 
Falls softly over mount and vale, 
The voice of praise and prayer is heard ; 
And when the curtains of the night 
Are drawn, again the notes of praise 
To God resound o'er hills and plains, 
Like sweetest incense, costly, rare, 
Ascending unto Him who hears 
And treasures every note of praise, 
And gathers every tear and prayer ; — 
And, in His golden vials stored, 
He waits until the earth is ripe, 
To answer prayer and pour out all 
His wrath on those who vex His church ! 
7. But list, not till old Rome shall cease 
To curse the world must Christ's church wait 
An earnest of that golden age 
He gives to them ! A war breaks out 
In heaven, — that is, within the church — 
Our Lord and Leader, Michael, and 



70 kE I 'ELA TION. 



His angels fight the errors of 
The papal church. A Luther is 
Of God raised up for this great war 
Against the dragon and his host. 

8. The vict'ry in this strife was given 
To those who fought for God and truth, 
For Satan could not stem the tide 

Of light, and truth, and power, which turned 
Their sure and deadly aim toward Rome ! 
The weapons forged against the truth 
Prevailed not, but were wrested from 
Rome's bloody hands and turned against 
The men who hurled these poisoned darts, 
Till no more place was found for them. 
Within the portals of the church ! 

In kingdoms vast the gospel light 
Once more in brightest fulness shone, 
While everywhere the papal power 
Was tottering like a falling wall ! 

9. 'Twas thus the dragon was cast out, — 
The old and subtle serpent, truly called 
By all in heaven and earth, Satan 

And Devil, Arch Destroyer, he, 
In every age and clime on earth, — 
Swift from the church was cast and all 
His fallen angels with him too 
Were headlong hurled down to the earth — 
The papal earth, those nations which 
Refused the Reformation's light, — 
To France, and Spain, and Italy, 



kEVELAtlON. 11 

And all those states bound in the chains 

Of abject slavery to Rome, — 

To these was Satan madly sent ! 

10. And from the church, true type of heaven, 

I heard a voice, proclaiming loud : 
"Now is salvation come to us, 
The kingdom of our God and Christ, 
In strength and power has come, in truth, 
For he, the accuser of the saints, 
Of our beloved brethren in the Lord, 
Accusing them before our God, 
Both day and night with ceaseless rage, 
Is now cast down through God's great 



power 



ii. And thro' the blood of Christ the Lamb, 
And by their testimony true, 
They overcame the wicked one, 
Neither did love their lives more than 
The truth, but freely laid themselves upon 
God's altar, and with songs and prayers 
Ascended to their God in peace, — 
A sacrifice most pure and meet. 

12. Therefore rejoice, ye Heavens above, 
And all who dwell therein ! But woe 
To those inhabitants who dwell 

On land or sea where Rome holds sway, 
For down to you proud Satan falls, 
In hellish wrath, for he doth know 
His reign on earth is short indeed ! 

13. And when the Devil saw that he 



R E I r £L AT/OX 



Was cast down to the papal earth, 

He kindled tierce again the fires 

Of persecution 'gainst the church : 

In France the sacred edict was 

Revoked, which shielded them from harm ; — 

Bartholomew's foul massacre 

Took place, and soon that land with bold 

And bloody men was filled, who in 

Their work of plunder and of death 

Did gloat; blood flowed like water in 

Fair France, and soon the cry was raised 

In Holland, England, Belgium, 

" Down with the Protestants ! Long live 
The pope ! Long live the church of Rome ! " 
The order of the Jesuits was formed, 
As body guard to Rome's proud head, 
To serve him unto death in all 
That he might ask or plan ; and thus, 
By compassing both sea and land, 
From frigid zones to tropic skies, 
By subtly mingling with all men, 
By midnight vigils, — study, care, 
By secret oaths and subtle plans, 
They sought to stay the waning pow r er 
Of papal Rome throughout the world. 
O'er every government they claimed 
The right, kingdoms and kings to rule, 
As had the pope for ages ruled : 
Hut in tin- Reformation's growing power 
And dawning light, these kings refused 



REVELATION. 



To bow the knee to this poor man 
In temporal matters, and thus oft 
Resistance to his unjust claim 
By kings and potentates was made. 
14. But now the time had fully come 
For Christ to show his mighty power, 
His love and wisdom toward His saints. 

Therefore to His own church were given 
Two wings, as of an eagle great, 
To bear it far from Satan's face, 
To "her own place",* reserved of God 
For His own church since time began ! 

To fair America the Puritans 
And Pilgrims fled. A "Wilderness" 
Indeed 'twas then ; 'mongst savage tribes 
And forests dense they made their home ; 
And yet 'twas far from Satan's power, 
Where they could worship God in peace. 
'Twas here, away from all those rites 
And ceremonies vain, which come 
Between the soul and God, and turned 
Men back toward Rome, they fled. 
Here on this western continent, 
'Midst prayers, and tears, and patient toil, 
They laid the solid base of liberty 
For church and state. And here until 
The final overthrow of Rome 
And every anti-christian power, 
They shall be nourished by their Lord ! 
Land "shadowing with wings," with strong, 



REVELATION. 



Protecting eagle's wings, all hail ! 

Here hath the church found rest indeed: 
This be thy name as heaven ordained, 
" Her place ", — the home of all the saints, 
Asylum fair for all oppressed, 
From every land and every clime ! 

In vain has Rome desired thee ; 

Again and yet again our God 

Hath said to this proud, subtle foe, 

"Thus and no further shalt thou come, 
And here thy wrathful waves must stay. 
For true is my decree that this 
Fair land shall be ' Her place ' and mine ! " 

15. The serpent, when he saw that she 
Had fled and 'scaped his hateful power, 
Out from his hellish mouth a flood 

Of water cast, by which he hoped ■ 

To overwhelm and drown the church ; — 

By papal emigration, in 

One broad and constant stream, he seeks 

To conquer, even here, the church ! 

16. But lo ! "The earth ", — the civil power. 
Now helps the woman in her need, 

By opening wide its mighty mouth 

And drinking up the fatal flood ! 

Her many institutions, laws 

And schools — as free as heaven's air — 

Absorb and neutralize this flood. 

17. And now the dragon, full of wrath. 
Direct attack resolves to make 



RE VELA TION. 



Upon the woman ; and by bulls, 

Encyclicals and subtle plans, 

Rome madly strikes the public schools, 

Denouncing them as " Godless, vile, 

And full of harm to every child ! " 

By threats of everlasting woe, 

She forces blinded parents to 

Withdraw their children from these schools, 

Where truth and liberty are taught, 

That she may hold them still within 

Her deadly grasp, and keep them in 

Subjection to her fatal power ! 

'Tis thus, e'en while we write, she wars 
Against the children of the Puritans 
Who keep God's laws inviolate. 



7(3 REVELATION, 



CHAPTER XIII, 



THE TWO BEASTS PAGAN AND PAPAL ROME. 



Still another and more definite view of the supremacy of 
pagan and papal Rome is brought before us under the figures 
of fierce, wild beasts of prey. The first beast represents pagan 
and imperial Rome, while the second beast represents the 
papal power, both secular and spiritual, which gave life to 
the former beast and which virtually prolonged the imperial, 
persecuting spirit of pagan Rome under the disguise of 
Christianity. 



i. Upon the ocean's shore I stood 

And saw a beast arise up from 

The troubled sea, — of people's tongues 

And tribes, — with seven heads, — 

Seven forms of government, by which 

The seven-hilled-city, Rome, had ruled 

The world : — Ten horns this beast possessed 

And on each horn a kingly crown, — 

Symbolic of the kingdoms ten 

Which ruled in place of ancient Rome. 

Names full of blasphemy were seen 

On each head of this pagan beast ; — 

For ages God's great name had been 

blasphemed by idol rites, and by 

The worship claimed from emperors, — 

Homage which only God can claim 1 



RE VELA TION. 



2. With the leopard's subtle form, this beast 
Had feet and cruel claws like to 

A bear, and with a mouth to roar 
And rend its prey as terrible 
As lions have; — and to this beast 
The devil gave his power and throne. 

3. One of his heads, or forms of power, 
Received what seemed a deadly wound, 
Inflicted by those northern hordes, 
Which overran and conquered Rome, 
And for a time her reign was o'er ; 

But by the rising papal power 

This " deadly wound" was healed, and thus 

Both church and state increased in strength, 

Until the whole world wondered at 

Their mutual power and sway on earth ! 

4. And so, in haste, a grovelling world 
Its homage pays to Satan's power, - — 
That power behind the church and throne : 
These Kingdoms, strong by papal power, 
They also worshiped, and they cried : 

"Who, who is like the beast, and who 
Is able to make war with him ? " 

5. And unto him was given a mouth, 
A bold, blasphemous mouth against 
The God of heaven, and His dear Son. 
And power to him was given 

For forty-two prophetic months ; — 
Twelve hundred years and sixty — he 
Should rule and war against the truth ; 



78 REM: I. AT ION. 



And at the end of that long reign 
Shall be destroyed with papal Rome, 
And purer governments arise ! 

6. And his vile mouth he opened wide — 
This papal " beast \" within these states — 
In blasphemies against our God 

And His own church redeemed by blood ; 

7. And unto him 'twas given fierce war 
Against the saints to wage, and to 
O'ercome them and have power o'er all 
The kings and kingdoms of the world ! 

8. And all who dwell upon the earth. 
Whose names are not within the Lamb's 
Own Book of Life, shall worship him. 

And now let those who hear and love 
The truth indeed, give patient ear; — 
10. He who into captivity 
So long hath led the sons of men 
Shall into final bondage go ! 
As he hath done to others, so 
To him it shall be done ! Dismayed, 
Defeated, captured, he, the chains 
Which others wore, must wear; 
He who by needless, cruel wars 
Killed others, shall himself" be killed; 
For those who long have groaned and prayed, 
And hoped to break his power, at last, 
( )f heaven, are given Strength to burst 
The bands of these same Kingdoms ten, 
.And forever free the people from 



REVELATION. 19 



The pomp and greed of tyranny ! 
Here doth the faith and patience of 
The saints and statesmen safely rest. 
ii. And I beheld another beast ; — 
As up from out the earth he came, — 
Not as the former beast who sprang 
From 'neath the troubled sea — that is 
The troublous times of war, when o'er 
The land the Northmen poured, until 
Rome's tottering throne was glad of help 
From pope and church to save her crown — 
But from the solid earth he came — 
The favoring soil of unbelie, — 
From men who fain believe a lie 
If but presented in smooth words, 
Which soothe and flatter human pride. 

This second beast had two marked horns 
Of power and strength, denoting both 
His temporal and his churchly power, 
And yet in outward semblance, seemed 
To be the harmless horns of some 
Mild lamb, to thus deceive the world. 
And yet his speech betrayed the source 
Of all his strength, for in its rites 
And power, the Devil's subtle plans 
To ruin men, is ever seen. 
12. And all of that vast power, the first 
Beast e'er possessed and used on earth, 
This second beast secured, until 
The earth and all who dwelt therein 



RE I r ELA TION. 



Are made to worship and to serve 
The first beast, or Rome's civil power, 
And thus is healed its "deadly wound;" 

13. And doeth "wonders great," so that 
From Heaven above fire seems to fall, 
In sight of superstitious men : 

14. He thus deceived all men who dwell 
On earth, by miracles, so-called, 
Which he had skill to do in sight 

Of gaping multitudes, and then 

Commanded that the people make 

An image of, and for the beast, 

Which had the sword-wound, yet still lived. 

15. And this same hierarchy had 
The power to give life to their pope, 
Who was, in pomp and tyranny, 

An image true of pagan Rome ; 

And to this image power was given 

To speak with great authority, 

And cause that all who worshiped not 

Himself, should without mercy die ! 

10. And on all, both poor and rich, both sm il! 

And great, both bond and free, he placed 

A mark of servile bondage to 

Himself, in hand or forehead plain ; 

17. And all men he forbade to buy 

Or sell, unless they had the mark, 

The n ime, and number of this beast 

iS. And here IS wisdom,- let the man 

Who understanding hath, count well 



revelation: ?a 



The number of the beast, for is 

It not the number of a man ? 

And this same number, heed it well, — 

" Is six hundred and sixty-six." 

As letters stand for numbers, 

In Greek and Latin languages, 

This sentence reads " Lateinos " in 

The Greek, denoting thus that Rome, 

Proud, papal Rome, " the Latin power," 

Is this same fierce and subtle beast ! 



S2 KKVELATIOX. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



THE HARVESTS GATHERED. 



This chapter opens with a most encouraging view of the 
light of reformation which breaks upon the world after the 
darkness of the middle ages. With the sixteenth century 
began the great Reformation, led on by the intrepid and faith- 
ful Luther, resulting in the conversion of a vast multitude of 
souls, who are described as standing on Mount Zion, praising 
God. As light broke in upon pagan Rome in the days of 
Constantine, so in this next great reformation, light again 
asserts its sway over the darkness of error and sin. Then 
follows the prediction concerning the preaching of the gospel 
throughout the world, which has specially been fulfilled during 
the past century. Next follows the bold attack on papal 
superstitions and political trickery and the efforts to convert 
Romanists from the error mi their ways. These predictions 
have received, and at the present time are still receiving, a 
remarkable fulfillment. 

The chapter closes by the triumphant movement of Christ 
and his followers to the final and successful conflict with the 
combined anti-Christian powers. This conflict will evidently 
be by political as well as moral agencies. All the friends of 
civil and religious liberty, throughout the world, will unite 
against Rome and her confederate allies of oppression and 
darkness. 



i. And as I looked again, lo ! on 
Mount Zion, emblem of the church 
Of Christ, 1 saw the Lamb of God, 
Most glorious in grace and might, — 
And with him all Ins faithful saints. 
Who on their foreheads wear the name 

Of God, for not ashamed are they 



REVELATION. 83 



To own their God and His dear Son. 

2. Then sweetly, loudly, on the air, 
Like ocean's grand, majestic roar, 
The voices of the saints I heard, 

And harpers harping with their harps : — 

3. A grand new song they sung, — 

Before the throne, Christ's precious blood — ■ 
A sweet, "new song" for th.it dark age — 
But none could understand this song, 
Save those redeemed thro' Christ from sin. 

4. These holy, happy souls were not 
Defiled by yielding to the wiles 

Of papal Rome, and serving clivers lusts ; 
They courted not the favor of 
The rich, the proud and vile, who hate 
The word of God, but with a chaste 
And virgin purity, they serve 
Their God, and follow Christ, the Lamb, 
Wherever He doth lead — and yet 
These favored ones came not from heaven, 
But were redeemed among the sons, 
The sinful sons, of men on earth. 
Yet these are only first-fruits of 
The harvest great, which Christ must have 
When truth shall fully reign on earth ! 

5. And in their mouth no guile was found ; 
Not like the false, deceitful souls, 

Who heed the lying vanities of Rome, — ■ 
But sincere, honest, truthful men ; 
And thus no sinful, fatal faults, 



84 REVELATION. 



Had they, to bar them out of heaven. 
For (iod who judgeth all men from 
His throne, pronounced them justified, 
Accepted, saved, and sanctified 
In Christ and His abounding grace. 
Thus did the Reformation true, 
And great, break forth in Germany, 
Led on by Luther, brave, sincere, 
A chosen vessel of our God, — 
Raised up of heaven for this same work. 

6. Then soon I saw an angel fly — 
Like some majestic bird, swift-winged, 
High in the heavens, as when a bird 
Of passage seeks another clime — 

The everlasting gospel to 
Proclaim to all who dwell on earth, 
To every nation, tongue and clime ! 

7. And with a clear, resounding voice — 

" Fear God, and worship Him who made 
The heaven, and earth, and sea, and all 
The springs, and sources of the seas ; 
Nor longer worship idols dumb, 
Which cannot breathe, or see, or walk, — 
For God's great judgment-hour has come 
To test and sift the nations of the earth. 
Destroying superstition's reign 
Throughout the world, so that the souls 
Nnw held in chains of darkness, by 
The fierce and subtle powers of hell, 
May know the truth which makes men free. 1 



REVELATION. 85 



Thus by the preaching of the word, 
By tongue, and printed pa;;e, e'en now, 
The gospel, like the light of day, 
Is going forth to bless the world ! 
8. There followed next an angel bold, 
A faithful messenger of light, 
To show that preaching of the Word 
Was overcoming Rome, thro' God ; — 
He cried that Babylon had fallen ; — 
Like Babylon of old, her cup 
Of wrath was full, because, like that 
Old city, she had cherished rites 
And forms of pagan birth, and so 
Just judgment soon would come to her, 
For making all the nations drink 
Of these same errors, as of wine, 
Till they were poor and drunken all ! 

9. Then followed soon the angel third, - 
With loud, commanding voice he cried, — 
" If any man dare worship Rome, 
This foul and cruel beast of prey, 
Or worship this proud image of 
Old pagan Rome — the papal church — 
Or wear her mark of ownership 
10. On forehead or on hand, the same 
Shall drink the. wine of God's just wrath, 
Poured, without mixture, from His cup — - 
His cup of indignation fierce ; 
And be tormented in the flames 
Of scorn, contempt, and pain, both in 



REVELATION. 



This world and that to come, where Christ 

And angels witness their despair ! 

i i . The smoke of their tormenting pains 

Shall ascend high forevermore, 

And day and night they find no rest, 

Because o'erwhelmed with shame and woe ! 

Thus shall it be with all who bow 

In worship at Rome's priestly shrines, 

Or wear the slavish, papal mark: " — 

12. Here is the patience of the saints, 
And here are those who cheerfully 
Obey God's just commands, with faith 
In Jesus, and His pardoning grace ; 
For this great Reformation is 
But dawning light, and we must wait 
In patience for the perfect day 
When Rome shall be fore'er destroyed, 
And gospel light fill all the world. 
13. Again a heavenly voice I heard 
From out the church of Christ proclaim, 
" Write, blessed are the dead who die 
With faith in Jesus' blood, henceforth, 
Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may 
From all their labors rest, and not 
As Rome hath taught, in anguish howl 
In purgatorial fires both tierce 
And long, but know in truth that they 
At death depart at once to be 
With Christ, where they shall eat the fruits 
( )f sovereign grace, and works of faith ; " — 



REVELATION. 87 



Thus do we also die to works, 

And rest alone in Jesus' blood. 
Since Luther's day this glorious truth 
Has sweetly, widely been proclaimed, 
And shall be till the world doth end ! 
Their works shall "follow"' them to bless, — 
(Not to precede and open Heaven, 
For by the law no soul is saved) 
And modify God's gifts of grace ; 
And so their toils, and tears, and death 
Shall surely gain reward in heaven, — 

And yet rewards of grace thro' Christ, 

And not as legal recompense 

For any deeds which they have done. 

14. When lo ! at length, I looked again 
One like the glorious Son of Man, 
With golden crown and sickle sharp ; — 
Upon a white and dazzling cloud 

He sat — the cloud of witnesses, 
Who join Him in this harvest work. 

15. Another angel messenger 

Came forth from God's own faithful Church, 
And loudly cried to Him who sat 
Upon the cloud, with sickle sharp, 
To quickly thrust His sickle in 
And reap, " For now," cried he, "the time 
Hath come, yea fully come to reap 5 
The truth so long and richly sown 
Hath borne its fruitage, and at last 
Earth's golden harvest now is ripe ! " 



REVELATION. 



1 6. This prayer was heard, and He who sat 
Upon the eloud so white, thrust in 

I lis sickle, and both near and far 
The sheaves of grace were gathered in; — 
All o'er the earth, much precious grain 
Was found, and sinful souls were soon 
Rejoicing in the Lord, and in His love ; 
And harvest songs of praise and joy 
Ascended from the Church to Heaven. 

17. And now when many million souls 
Were garnered safe within the church, 
Another messenger was sent, — 

He also having sickle sharp, — 
To do high Heaven's gracious will. 

18. Another angel then came forth 
From God's own altar where His Son 
A sacrifice once laid, and where 

His people pledge their loyalty to Him, 
And to His truth, as taught by Christ: — 
Power over fiery judgments had 
This messenger, and thus in tones, 
Distinct and loud, he cried to Him 
Who stood and held the sickle sharp, — 
"Thrust in, and gather from earth's vine 
The heavy clusters, for her grapes 

19. Are fully ripe! " Then quickly were 
These words obeyed, and Rome's sour grapes 
And all the fruitage of the earth 

Opposed to God and His true Church, 
Were reaped and cast into the great 



REVELATION. 



Wine-press of God's fierce wrath, where they 

20. Are trodden till the blood of men 

Comes from the wine-press in a flood, — 

Till high as horses' bridles are, 

And broad as were the papal states 

Of Italy, this sea of blood 

Extends, both far and wide, on earth ! 

Thus shall thine enemies, oh, Lord, 

Be utterly destroyed ! Amen ! 



90 REVELATION. 



CHAPTER XV. 



THE SEVEN LAST PLAGUES. 



This chapter introduces us to the seven last plagues which 
are to entirely destroy the power of Rome in the world. 
'1 lie period thus covered is synchronal with the events pre- 
dicted in the last chapter (viz.) from the time of the Refor- 
mation in the sixteenth century, until the beginning of the 
Millennium. But before the predictions concerning the last 
plagues, the Spirit again gives us a glimpse of the Refor- 
mation and its glorious results. 



i . Another sign in Heaven I saw, 
Yea, great and wondrous w r as this sign, 
Portending woe and death to Rome ! 
Seven messengers of wrath I saw, 
Who held in their great power the seven 
Last plagues, in which the final wrath 
2. Of God toward Rome is stored. 

A sea 
Of glass 1 also saw mingled 
With fire ; God's holy government, 
So broad, and pure, and calm, and yet 
So just and terrible toward all 
His foes, who soon must feel the hre 
Gf righteous indignation, and 
Of wrath ! 

Standing upon this sea 



REVELATION. 91 



Of glass, I saw those holy men, 
Who victory had gained thro' Christ, 
O'er Rome, o'er pope, and priest, and 
church ; 
And in their hands were held the harps 
Of God, with which to celebrate 
His praise ; — in loud and sweetest strains 

3. They sing the Song of Moses and 
The Lamb, thus law and grace we hear 
Extolled, as with one voice they cry, 

" Both great and marvelous Thy works, 
Lord God, Almighty ; just and true 
Are all thy ways, Thou King of Saints ! 

4. Who will not fear and glorify 
Thy blessed name, for Thou alone 
Art holy, and all climes shall come 
And worship Thee, for all Thy pure 
And righteous judgments are revealed, 
And manifested unto men." 

5. And, as I gazed, the temple — God's 
Own Tabernacle, His faithful church 
Of testimony — opened, and 

6. His seven messengers came forth 
From out the church to execute 
God's wrath, in answer to the prayers 
And plaints of His long-suffering church : 
In linen, pure and white, were clothed 
These messengers, while round their breasts 
They wore a golden girdle bright. 

7. Then one of those four creatures, grand, 



92 REVELATION 



True symbols of God's government, 
Gave to these faithful angels, seven 
Golden vials which were filled with 
God's fierce wrath, who never dies, but 
Ever liveth, His wilful foes 
To punish, and His church to bless. 
8. The temple now was filled with smoke, 
Like burning incense, and God's name 
Was loud extolled by saints on earth. 
Because His power was thus displayed ! 
Neither could saint nor sinner stay 
His mighty hand outstretched in wrath 
Against the enemies of truth : — 

Had all the saints on earth, with fear 
Cried out to God to stay these plagues 
He would not listen to their prayers ; 
The time had fully, come, for heaven 
To pour upon the church of Rome 
The fierceness of His holy wrath ! 



REVELATION. 03 



CHAPTER XVI. 



GODS WRATH POURED OUT ON PAPAL ROME. 



This chapter describes the pouring out the contents of 
God's wrath from the seven vials, and the great revolutions 
and judgments which followed. 

The pouring out of the first vial, without reasonable doubt, 
refers to the revelation of the corruptions of Rome at the 
beginning of the French Revolution; and the explanation of 
the next vials is found in the history of Europe in its relation 
to the papacy succeeding the first vial. 

The application and fulfillment of these predictions are 
given in the paraphrase. It is needless to review all the 
reasons for these explanations ; there have been no series of 
historical events, which so completely fit and agree with this 
portion of Revelation as those referred to. 



At last the time has fully come 
When those successive blows must fall 
In final vengeance on proud Rome, 
i. A loud, commanding voice I heard 
From heaven in answer to the prayers 
Of Christ's long-suffering Church, which cried 
To those appointed Angels seven : — 
" Go on your ways, and pour out from 
Those seven golden vials, which 
Contain the fearful wrath of God, — 
In which the prayers of suffering saints 
Are also stored, upon the earth — 
The guilty, papal portions of 



REVELA TfOM 



The globe — pour out God's judgments just ! 
2. The first wrath-vial then was poured 
Upon the proud and stubborn church — 
Who, like proud Pharaoh, ne'er will yield 
Until she sinks beneath the waves 
Of God's o'erwhelming wrath and power! 

The first plague now by Rome is felt ; — 
A noisome, grievous sore breaks out 
Upon the men who bear the mark 
Of this foul beast — of pope and church — 
Like loathsome boils which on those old 
Egyptians came, these plague-spots proved 
That God designed to show the world 
His hatred and contempt for all 
The pride and pomp of sensual Rome : 
The deadly virus in the veins 
Of those who drank her errors in, 
Which she had taught them, now appeared 
In open words and deeds of sin ! 
The social and the moral world was 
Filled with unbelief and vice; 
Corrupting sores of violence, 
Of fraud and dissipations wild, 
On every hand were seen, instead 
Of faith and prayer and purity : — 
Men wallowed in the mire and tilth 
( )f every form of unbelief : — 
The wild reaction from the hard 
And grinding superstitions of 
The papal church was to reject 



REVELATION. 95 



All forms of faith or creed, — 
Until men boasted that this life 
Was only one short carnival of lust, 
Of greed and selfish joy and then, 
When death should come, it ended all, 
And was a sweet and dreamless sleep ! 

Thus were the ties which bound men to 
This harlot-church most rudely torn 
And broken, till in France a fierce 
And bloody revolution shook 
The land ; and in the* place of blind 
Devotion to the church these men 
Proclaimed, both far and wide, that Rome's 
Professions and pretentious claims 
Were all a roaring farce, unfit 
For men of thought to follow or 
Obey ; and thus the children of 
The papal church rebelled and held 
Their harlot mother up to scorn, 
And shame and loud contempt, while France 
Whose King was fondly called the Son, 
"The eldest, right-hand son, of Rome," 
Was first in this aggressive war. 
Yet in the stead of papal lies 
Concerning private judgments, true, 
They flew far to the other side, 
And loudly boasted of free thought; 
And like an epidemic spread 
Their views to other lands, until 
The Harlot on the Tiber was 



<»«; REVELATION. 



Despised by men of culture and 
Of thought, as all the festering sores 
And foul corruptions of this church, 
Were by these sceptics wide revealed. 
Thus was the way prepared for that 
Great revolution which was felt 
Throughout the world against all forms 
Of superstitious tyranny 

And pride; and yet so Godless were 
The leaders in this war against 
Th' oppressions of proud Kings and of 
The rich against the suffering poor, 
The truth was made to suffer in 
This wild and reckless war. 
'Twas then 
3. The second Angel poured out wrath 
Upon the sea, and it became, 
Through naval wars, prolonged and fierce, 
Red with the blood of thousands slain ! 
On France and Spain and Portugal 
God's heavy hand, in wrath, was laid, 
And their proud navies, which the world 
Had long admired and praised, were now 
Defeated, humbled, and well-nigh 
Destroyed by English ships of war — 
England, God's chosen sword of 
Strength to thus destroy the papal power. 
And as the first vial was poured 
I pon the earth, or continent, 
This second vial carried woe 



REVELATION. 97 

To Rome's vast naval fleets, until 
Their power for war was well-nigh gone. 
In all the world's long history 
Ne'er has there been a naval war 
So vast, so fierce and so prolonged ! 

4. The third Angel his vial poured 
Upon those papal rivers and 

Their fountain sources, whence had risen 
For ages past Rome's mighty power ; 
In this fierce reign of terror, wide, 
Fair Italy was next compelled 
To share a bloody part, and on 
The Rhine, and Po, and Alpine streams 
Of Lombardy and Piedmont, wild, 
Fierce battles raged till papal blood 
Ran down, in streams, the Alpine paths, 
Where martyrs' blood so long had run — 
Waldenses, Albigenses here, 
Had for long ages shed their blood. 

5. 'Twas fitting that the Angel who 
Presided o'er the waters should, 
With grateful spirit, cry : " Righteous 
Art Thou, oh, Lord, who art and wast 
And shalt be, for Thy judgments just ; 

6. For have not these Thy foes oft shed 
The blood of saints and prophets who 
Have lived and died on this same soil ? — 

And now to them Thy cup is turned 
And blood they too are made to drink, 
For they are worthy of Thy wrath ! " 



06 REVELATION. 



7. E'en from the altar where the Son 
Of God a sacrifice was slain, 

And where the souls of martyred saints 
Repose in peace thro' saving grace, 
I heard another voice exclaim : — 
" E'en so, Lord God, Almighty, let 
It be, for true and righteous are 
Thy judgments on those bloody men 
Who killed Thy saints in ages past." 

8. The fourth Angel his vial poured 
Upon the sun, the King of Day, 
An emblem true of Emperors 

And mighty kings, who rule on earth ; 
And to this King the power was given, 
To scorch and burn with torrid heat 
Those countries where the papal church 
Held sway; thus God prepared the way 
By Napoleonic wars for that 
Dire woe which fell upon the seat 
And centre of the papal power. 

Like Jehu, of old Jewish fame, 
Napoleon Bonaparte was raised 
Of God for this same cause, a sword 
In God's strong hand to punish those 
Who had perverted truth and tilled 

All Europe with their sorceries, 

Idolatries and lies, until 

Oppressions deep and long, in church 

And state cried out to heaven for wrath ! 

9. And men were scorched and burned with heat 



REVELATION. 99 



Which fell upon them from the sun, 
Until the Holy name of God 
-And this same King they cursed, because 
These fiery plagues were brought on them. 
And yet like Pharaoh with his hard, 
And stubborn heart, they would not hear 
The rod nor Him who handled it, 
But grovelled still in pride and sin. 
10. 'Twas then the fifth Angel poured out 
His wrath upon the very seat 
And throne of this foul beast, until 
Confusion, death and darkness reigned — 
Till pope and prelate, priest and nun, 
All gnawed their tongues in grief and pain ! 

The arms of strong, victorious France, 
Led on by bold Napoleon, 
Had conquered Northern Italy, 
And now were thundering at the Gates 
Of Rome, where soon they enter, and 
The aged pope is forced to fly 
To Tuscany, to Leghorn, then 
To scale the Alps and Appenines, 
Those frozen heights — which he had oft 
God's servants true compelled to climb, — 
He now must climb, by night and day, 
Till weary, sore, and sick he breathed 
His last and went to his reward ! 
ii. And still repentance followed not; — 
Instead of penitence and tears, 
Were heard complaints and murmurs deep 



KH) REVKLATIOX. 



Toward God because of these great plagues. 

12. The sixth Angel his vial poured 
Upon Euphrates' broad and mighty stream, 
And caused its waters to dry up. 
And thus prepare the way for Kings 
And kingdoms in the east to come 
To Christ and gospel light, for this 
Foul, Turkish power still stands between 
These kingdoms and the truth, and so 
Mohammed's strong delusions, like 
\ mighty river, must abate 
Before the gospel light, in rich 
And full effulgence, can dispel 
The night of darkness in the east. 
Yea ; soon the day will come when truth 
Shall conquer all these ancient lands, 
So long enthralled in sin and woe; — 
These lands so dear to Christian hearts, 
Where once the holy patriarchs 
And prophets and apostles dwelt. 
And preached, and wept, and died, for God, 
Shall soon again Immanuers land 
Become, no more to turn from Him ! 
Yet just before that glorious day 
13. Shall dawn, three unclean spirits, like 
Three filthy frogs, with croakings loud, 
From out the mouths of dragon, beast, 
And prophet false, shall subtly come, — 
Mohammedan and papist, pagan, all, 
Like Pilate and old Herod, who 



RE VELA TION. 101 



From enemies became fast friends 
When Jesus each would crucify ; 
So these three powers confederate 
Become in this last conflict 'gainst 
Our Lord and His own church — against 
All liberty in church or State. 

14. Three filthy spirits — devils all — 
Pretended miracles do work, 

And with their false pretensions forth 
To all the Kings of earth, throughout 
The whole wide world they go, to move 
The enemies of truth to war, 
And thus they gather them as one 
To that great battle of our God, . 
When he shall conquer all His foes 
Who subtly plot against the truth : — 

15. "As suddenly as stealthy thief 

I come" saith God, " and blessed is 
The watchful land, and praying soul, 
Prepared for this great day of wrath, 
Which shall so suddenly appear, — 
Not like the man who lays aside 

His garments and retires to rest, 

But suddenly awakes to find 

Himself in poverty and shame, — 
But rather like the wiser man 
Who quick discerns the warning signs, 
And so he saves himself, and saves 
The land he loves, from fatal war ! " 

16. And to a place God gathered them,— 



102 REl'ELATIOX. 



Har-Megiddo, the Hebrew name, 

Or " Mountain of Megiddo", where 

Of old the Israelites oft gained 

Decisive victories for God, 

And his own church; a symbol this 

Of that great final victory, 

Which God will soon his people give 

O'er all the enemies of Christ, 

When every earthly power which hates 

The onward march of light and truth, 

Of civil and religious rights, 

Shall sink forever in the sea 

Of deep oblivion and shame ! 

17. P'or.soon the seventh Angel pours 
His vial in the air, or in 

The minds and hearts of all who love 
True liberty of thought and speech, 
Until, like clouds surcharged with rain, 
And winds and lightning's mighty power, 
Vengeance pours down upon the hosts — 
The three-fold, allied hosts of hell — 
O'erwhelming them in shame and woe! 

Then rang out, clear and loud, a voice 
From Christ's triumphant church, which came 
Through them from God's great throne : " 'Tia 
done — 
The victory our God has gained. 
And we are saved from all our foes ! " 

18. And there wore voices, thunders loud, 
And lightnings sharp ;md vengeful as 



RE VELA TION. 103 



They fell upon the guilty heads 

Of those old enemies of God 

And His true church! They could not stand 

Before the words thus voiced and urged ; 

Their opposition to all truth 

And freedom, evermore received 

Its just award of honest scorn ! 

And soon a mighty earthquake, such 

As ne'er was known before, convulsed 

The earth, for, far and wide, all men, 
Who love true liberty, uprose 
And boldly stood upon their feet 
In protest strong, united, and 
All-powerful 'gainst these hellish foes ! 

19. 'Twas then Rome's city fell apart, 

Divided as it was into 

Three portions, one part turning toward 

The light, forsaking Rome's mad rule, 

Another part still clinging to 

The papal church with weakened zeal, 

But utterly renouncing her 

Proud claims to temporal power, 

The third part clinging still to all 

The errors of old Rome with blind 

And senseless zeal ; — 'tis thus the beast 
Becomes a weakened power before 
Her firm united foes, and soon 
The cities of those nations which 
Had given their support to Rome, 
Like crash of falling buildings, turn 



104 RE I ALA T/OM 



Away from Rome's fast crumbling powers. 
'Tis now, like Babylon of old, 
That Rome shall be remembered by 
Our God, and He will press to her 
Proud lips the fierceness of His wrath, — 
More bitter than the cup of woe 
Which she so long has forced God's saints 

20. To drink. 

And every island rled 
Away from her control, where she. 
For many ages seated on 
Her throne, hath ruled', far, faraway 
From her they fled, and no more were 
They found to worship at her shrine ! 

21. And on the abject slaves of Rome 
There fell a hail, down from the heavens — 
Or from the church, fair type of heaven, — 
A hail, both terrible and great, — 

For ev'ry soul redeemed of God, 
Hath some great truth to hurl at Rome, — 
Till pelted, bruised and sore, men howl 
And blaspheme God because this hail. 
So great, tormenting is to them, 
And overwhelms them by its power ! 



kE Delation. ios 



CHAPTER XVII. 



PARTIAL DESTRUCTION OF ROME S TEMPORAL 
POWER. 

A further, and in detail a more definite, description is here 
given of the destruction of Rome's " temporal power." 

No great anti-Christian power has ever existed which so 
plainly and completely fulfills these prophecies as the papal 
church. 

The attempt to apply these predictions to any other system 
of error, or of persecution, is only a fatal wresting of this 
book, and may well cause its author to fear the infliction of 
those plagues threatened against all, who, add to, or take 
from, the import of these inspired words. 

This chapter contains the prediction of the mutual support 
which European Kingdoms will give to the papacy until a 
certain time when these same Kingdoms will turn against 
Rome's so-called " temporal power," and will burn her with 
the fierce flames of scorn, and political and military opposition. 

i. One of the seven angels came 
To me and said, " Come hither, and 
More fully I will show to thee 
The final judgment of the whore 
So great, who on the waters sits — 
And rules o'er many servile lands ; 
2. And with whom earth's proud kings have oft 
Committed fornications vile, 
By yielding to her base control, 
In church, and state ; yea, also all 
The peoples of the earth have been 



KM'> RFA'r.LATIOX. 



Made drunk by tempting wine, pressed to 
Their lips by this vile harlot bold, — 
Forsaking God, Rome's will to serve. 

3. Then by the angel was I borne, 
In the Spirit, to the wilderness, 
And there I saw this harlot sit 
Upon a scarlet-colored beast — 
An emblem of those kingdoms ten, 
Controlled by Rome — on which she rode : 

And by her temporal power claimed right 
To rule o'er all the governments 
Of men ! This papal beast was full 
Of names of blasphemy, which called 
For honor, praise, and power, which God 
Alone can claim, and like the old, 
Imperial beast of pagan Rome — 
Of which it was, an " image " true ; — 
Seven heads had he, denoting seven 
Hills, on which Rome rests, and seven forms 
Of government by which it has 
Been ruled; — and ten stout horns this beast 

4. Possessed, denoting kingdoms ten, 
Which, with one heart, were joined to Rome : - 

This woman richly was arrayed 

In purple and in scarlet robes — 

The well-known robes of kings and popes - 

With gold, and pearls, and precious stones 

Bedecked ; and in her hand she held 

A golden cup, containing - though 

So rich and fair to look upon, 



REVELATION. 101 



The vile abomination of 

Her filthy fornications, oft, 

With all the kings and kingdoms of the earth ! 

5. But on her forehead was her name 

Proclaimed in letters plain as were 

The sins of Sodom, seen of old 

Upon the faces of her sons — 
" Mystery, Babylon the Great, 
Mother of harlots, and of earth's 
6. Abominations vile ! " 
I saw 

This woman drunken with the blood 

Of saints and martyrs, age on age ! 

With wonder great I marveled at 

This woman, in such robes of wealth 

7. And regal power: 

The angel spake. 
" Why dids't thou marvel ? I will tell 
The mystery of her career, — 
And of the beast on which she rides, 
With seven heads, and ten stout horns :— 

8. The beast thou sawest, was and is 
Not ; he arises from the pit, 

Called 'bottomless,' and down to hell 

Must go, and all shall wonder at 

This beast ; — all of those men whose names 

Are unrecorded in the Book 

Of Life, before the world was made, 

Shall wonder at this papal beast, 

Who was, and is not, and yet is ! 



108 REVELATION. 



9. And here is found the holy mind. 
With heavenly wisdom to discern. 
And rightly understand these words 
And figures true, as they apply 

To Rome's apostate, fallen church ; — 
The seven heads are seven hills, 
On which this lofty Harlot sits ; 

10. And there are seven kings, or forms 
Of government, by which she has 

Been ruled ; five of the kings have fallen — 
One now is, the other yet to 
Come, and when he cometh he must 
Continue for a little time. 

11. The beast, or government which was, 
And is not, even he shall be 

The eighth — brought back to life, — -and so 

Is really of the seven, — and to 

Perdition he shall surely go ! 

And so this scarlet-colored beast, 

Is Rome's oft-boasted temporal power. 

Which in the papal states of Italy, 

And in the papal kingdoms of 

The world shall rule, and one with old 

Imperial Rome, in every part 

Of her oppressive power on earth ! 

12. And these ten horns denote ten kings, 
Which have received no kingdom yet, 

But power as kings shall soon receive, 
For one short hour, or space of time, 
With th' papal church supporting, and 



RE VELA TION. 109 



Controlling them ; and into forms 
More permanent, these kingdoms of 
The Northmen merge, and so will ten 
Abetting thrones, continue long 
To uphold the papal church on earth : — 

13. And these, with one united mind 
Give their vast strength to papal Rome : — 

1 4. These shall make war against the Lamb, 
And Christ, our Lord, shall conquer them, 
For He, Himself,- is Lord of Lords, 

And King o'er every earthly king ! 

And those who follow Him are called, 
And true and faithful unto death. 

15. The waters wide, which thou did'st see 
On which the papal whore doth sit, 

Are peoples, nations, climes and tongues ; 

16. And those ten horns, or kingdoms ten, 
In time shall learn to hate the whore, 
Because of her pretentious claims, 
Professing that she reigns in temporal things, 
By right conferred of God, of old, 

O'er every government on earth ! 
Thus often striving with these kings, 
For supreme rule in every State, 
In time they come to hate her name, 
And strip her naked of such power, 
And burn her flesh with fire and war ! 

17. For God hath put it in their hearts 
To do His will, and give their strength, 
United, to the beast, until 



LO REVELATION. 



His purposes shall be fulfilled. 
1 8. And this proud woman which was seen 
In rich apparel, and with gold 
Bedecked, and yet a harlot, — is 
None other than what Heaven now names 
" A mighty city,'' reigning o'er 
The kings of earth, denoting that 
Her beast-like fierceness is concealed ; 
And so a vile, corrupt, and yet 
A mighty city well describes 
Her power on earth, so vast and great, — 
Which not alone in Rome exists, 
Hut in great cities far and wide — 
Throughout the world, her hand is felt 
U pholding fraud and wickedness, 
Wherever her base ends are served ! 



REVELATION. Ill 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

COMPLETE DESTRUCTION OF ROME'S TEMPORAL 
POWER. 

This chapter gives us a view of the present clay in which 
papal pretensions are being widely revealed and also the 
final and complete destruction of Rome's temporal power. 
This final struggle has evidently commenced in the desperate 
effort which Rome is making by Jesuitical political plots, 
and by her parochial school crusade, to regain her temporal 
power among the nations of the earth ; all of which plans, 
like the efforts of slaveholders to prop up the tottering 
system of slavery, will only hasten her destruction, and also 
the overthrow of those crowns and kingdoms which seek, by 
her help, to prolong their own oppressions. 

i. 'Twas after these prophetic scenes 
I saw another Angel come from heaven — 
A messenger he came forth from 
The church with great authority, — 
And all the earth was lightened by 
His glory great, as when the light 
Dawns in the east, dispelling night, — 
So gospel preaching wide reveals 
The errors of the papal church — 
2. Thus with a strong and mighty voice 
He cried : " Great Babylon is fallen, 
And has become, for demons fierce, 
The hold and habitation ; and 
A cage of unclean, hateful birds, — 



112 REVELATION. 

A home for ev'ry spirit foul ! 
;,. All nations drank her wine of wrath, 
Caused by her fornications vile 
By which she turned away their hearts 
From serving God — the living God ! 
E'en Kings she caused to drink her wines 
And converse have with her instead 
Of God, and merchants of great wealth 
Grew rich by yielding to her sway. 
Thus did the Reformation's light 
Reveal the horrid state of Rome ; — 
And thus, since then, by gospel light, 
The " Man of sin " has been revealed 
And shown to be the papal church. 

4. Another voice from heaven I heard : — 
"Come out of her, my people true, — 

Be not partakers of her sins, 

Nor share those final, fatal plagues 

Which shortly shall her portion be — 

5. For Rome's great sins to heaven have 

reached, 
And her iniquities doth God 
Remember well and will avenge, — 

6. Reward her even as she has 
Rewarded you — yea, double shall 
She soon receive, in justice, from 
Your hand, according to her works: 

The cup which she so long has pressed 
To your own lips now turn to her, 
And double measure of God's wrath — 



REVELATION. 113 



So long delayed — compel her now 

7. To drink. As she hath glorified 
Herself and lived in pride and sin, 
So much torment and judgment give 
To her, for in her heart she saith : 

" 1 sit a Queen and do my will; 
I am no widow sad and poor — 
No sorrow shall I ever see ! " 

8. Therefore her plagues shall surely fall 
With fatal vengeance, in one day, — 
Famine, mourning, death, in one 

Short space of time shall come to her ; 
And utterly shall she be burned 
With flames of scorn, hatred, and war, 
For strong is God who judgeth her! 

9. And aii those servile Kings who have 
Lived delicately with her, as 

She supported their frail power, 
Shall loud lament her fall ; — and yet 
There was a little time these Kings 
In hatred turned from her embrace, 
And burned her harlot flesh with flames 
Of scorn and fiery war, for so 
Had she provoked them by her claims 
To rule all Kings and Kingdoms at 
Her will, and had so stubbornly opposed 
All liberty of thought and speech, 
The people rushed to arms and fought 
Against the papal church ; and yet, 
As time goes on, these selfsame Kings 



114 R I I' ELATION. 



Cry that they must have help from Rome 
Or lose their crowns, and so again 
They seek her aid and wear her chains ! 
At last when ruin comes to her, 
And liberty throughout the world 
Is near, they tremble and bewail 
Their loss and the impending doom 
Of all oppressive Kings and powers, — 
10. And standing far away from her 
Great torment, lest they share her fate, 
They mourn and weep their mutual loss, 
And say : " Alas ! Great Babylon ! 
Thou mighty city, for in one 
Short hour thy judgment dire has come ! " 
ii. Her wealthy merchants, too, shall mourn, 
Because no man will traffic more 
With those who are the friends of Rome : 

12. Her world-wide merchandise she gave 
To them, of gold and silver, precious 
Stones and linen, silk and woods, and 
Brass and iron, ivory and 

Marble rare, and precious ointments, 

13. And frankincense and cinnamon, 
And wheat, oil, wine, and chariots 
And horses grand, and souls as well 
As bodies of those slaves in which 

14. They trafficked long, and all the fruits 
So luscious to one's taste are gone. 
Departed far from thee and all 
Things rich and rare, and nevermore 



REVELATION. 115 



Shall riches come to thee again ! 

15. The merchants of these many things, 
Who were made rich by Rome, in fear 
Shall stand afar and weep and wail, 

16. And say : "Alas ! that city great, 
In finest linen clothed, bedecked 

In royal scarlet, purple, gold and pearls, 
17. And precious stones, — for in one hour 
Riches so great have come to naught ! " 
And all who traffic on the seas 
Stood far away, as they beheld 
The smoking, burning city, doomed; — 

18. And cried, " What city on the earth 
Is like unto this city great! " 

19. And dust on their sad heads they cast, 
And loudly wept and wailed, and cried: 

"Alas, alas! that city grand, 
Wherein, because of her vast wealth 
And wants, all who had ships grew rich,- — 
In one short hour made desolate ! " 
20 Rejoice o'er her, ye heavens above, 
Apostles, prophets, praise your God, 
For you hath He avenged on her ! 

21. A mighty Angel took a stone, 
Like a great millstone, in his hand 
And cast it in the sea, and said : 

" Thus suddenly, with violence, 

Shall be the fall of Babylon, 

And no more known while time endures! 

22. The voice of music ne'er again 



H6 REVELATION. 



Shall fill Ihy soul with joy ; no man 
Of any skill or craft shall dwell 
In thee; the grinding of the mill 
23. Shall cease, and darkness reign instead 
Of light! The happy voice of bride 
And bridegroom ne'er again shall till 
Thy halls with joy, for thy great men. 
And merchants then shall be too poor 
To furnish wedding feasts with rich 
And costly things which please the ear 
And eye and taste ; thy sorceries. 
By which the nations were deceived, 
Through which thy coffers were enriched, 
Have been exposed forevermore ! " 
24. And in her filthy skirts were found 
The blood of prophets, saints, and all 
The righteous, martyred, dead of earth, 
Who gladly shed their precious blood, 
For Christ and His eternal truth. 



REVELATION. 117 



CHAPTER XIX. 

THE MARRIAGE SUPPER AND FINAL VJLCTORY OF 
CHRIST. 



This chapter delays the final catastrophe in order to give 
us a still further and detailed account of the closing conflict 
with the great anti-Christran powers of this world. The 
picture of Christ and His faithful army with their weapons ot 
truth and justice, is full of sublimity and encouragement. 

No earthly poet or painter has ever equaled these word* 
pictures in grandeur and beauty. 



i. The voices, now, of all in heaven, 
And saints on earth, heard I, with one 
United voice: "Salvation, power, 
And glory be unto our God ; — 
2. For true and righteous are Thy ways, " 
And all Thy judgments, mighty God, 
In judging thus the papal whore, 
Who, with her fornications vile, 
Corrupted earth, but now her end 
Has come, and God hath sore avenged 
The blood of all His servants on 
Her proud, her vile and guilty head. 
Then Alleluias, loud, again 
From God's victorious hosts arose ; 
While smoke, like that on Sodom's plains, 
Proclaimed the ruin of their foes, 



118 REVELATION. 



From fire no power in earth or hell 

( an quench, till Rome shall be no more ! 

4. Again those men who represent 
The church in Heaven, and also those 
Four, mighty, living beings, who 
Defend the civil rights of men — 
Those governments which stand for God 
And liberty — all joined in praise 

Of God, and His just judgments on 
The church of Rome, and loudly cried, 
" Amen ! " with hallelujahs long ! 

5. And then I heard another voice, 
With Heaven's authority proclaim : 

"Let all the servants of our God, 

Both small and great, both far and wide, 

Praise Him with one united heart ! " 

6. 'Twas then I heard the voices of 
A multitude, as of the sound 

Of oceans' roar, and thunders loud, 

With hallelujahs to our God, 

"The Lord, Omnipotent, doth reign!" 

7. They sing, "Let us rejoice, and praise, 
And honor Him who reigns on earth. 

For lo ! the marriage of the Lamb has come 
And His own spouse hath ready made 
Herself; long hath she waited for 
This day, when earth should be her home. 
And resting-place, with her dear Lord!" 

S. And unto her 'twas given to be 

Arrayed in linen pure and white. 



REVELATION. 119 



For this same linen represents 

The righteousness which Christ hath 

wrought 
By His obedience, and His death, 
And freely gives to all His saints, — 
Yea all who ask this priceless boon. 
9. To me the voice then sweetly cried : 
" Write ! Blessed are the called unto 
The Marriage Supper of the Lamb, — 
These are the faithful words of God." 
10. Down low before his feet I fell, 
To worship this, high, kingly one, — 
" See that thou do it not! " he cried, 
" Nor worship any saint, in heaven or earth, 
For I, thy fellow-servant am, 
And one of thine own brethren, 
Who keep the testimony of 
Our Lord, and witness to the truth ; — 
The spirit and intent of all 
True prophecy is that our Lord 
May be exalted, loved, and served — 
And this the work of alLHis saints 
Must be, till Rome shall cease to reign." 
11. And now our Lord and Master takes 
Unto Himself, His own great power 
To make a full and final end of Rome ! 
I saw the heavens opened wide ; — 
The church of Christ puts on new strength 
In prayer, and speech, and warnings loud : — 
Lo ! on a horse of purest white — - 



120 REVELATION. 



A symbol of swift victory — 

Was seated Christ, our Lord and King, 

Faithful and true in righteousness, 

12. He judges and makes war ; His eyes. 
Like flaming fire, omniscient are, 

And on His head were many crowns; — 
The King of pardon, peace, and joy, 
Is He, and rules o'er every realm 
Of thought, of duty, and of power ! 
And written on His diadem 
Was seen a wondrous name, no one 
Can fully know, or understand; — 
The Logos, " Word of God " is He, 
And yet, the depth of meaning to 
This name, e'en angels fain would know, 
As they behold Immanuel ! 

13. And with a vesture dipped in blood, 
He was arrayed, which thus proclaimed. 
That He was Jesus Christ, our Lord, 
And justly called the Word of God. 

14. The heavenly army followed Him, 
Made up of loyal men and true, 

On horses white — a nation's power — 
And they were clothed in linen fine, 

15. And clean, and white. And from Christ's 

mouth 
A sharp-edged sword went forth to smite 
The nations, and subdue them, by 
His truth, as thro' His church proclaimed. 
And thus He rules them with a rod, 



RE VELA TION. 121 



As firm, and strong, as iron is, 
And by the preaching of the word, 
And by the power of righteous laws, 
He treads in God's wine-press of wrath, 
All forms of superstition and 
1 6. Of vice ; And on His vesture and 
His thigh a name is written — " King 
Of Kings, and mighty Lord of Lords." 

17. And in the Sun, the seat of power 
And government, an Angel stood, 
And called to all the hosts in heaven : 

18. "Together come, and ye shall eat 
At God's great feast, the flesh of Kings, 
Of mighty men, and captains bold, 
And all the men and horses, which 
Against the Lord, and His dear church 

19. Were gathered fierce ! " The papal beast, 
The kings of earth, with armies great, 
Combined in war against our Lord 

And His brave army grand and true: — 

20. And now this boastful papal " beast" 
And that false prophet, who had wrought 
Such, seeming, miracles before 

The beast, deceiving all the earth, — 

These both alive were cast into 

The lake of fire, — a flame hotter 

Than mingled fire and brimstone are ; 

A true and fearful symbol, this, 

Of those fierce flames of scorn and wrath, 

From all the world, which deeper burn 



122 /< FA' /J. AT/ ON. 



Than lakes of literal fire and Manic ! 

2 i. A remnant of these enemies, 

Were slain by Christ's sharp sword of truth, — 

By yielding to its force and power, 

And thus becoming friends of God, 

And filling all the church with joy ! 



REVELATION. 123 



CHAPTER XX. 



THE MILLENNIUM. 



In this chapter we have the prophetical description of the 
binding of Satan for a thousand years, after which he will, for 
a little while, threaten and disturb the church, when he will 
be completely and forever defeated ! 

In this and the remaining. chapters, the writer has pointed 
out the first and primal as well as the secondary and final ful- 
fillment of these beautiful and faithful predictions. As the 
prophecies of Christ, concerning the destruction of Jerusalem 
and the end of the world, are by Him purposely mingled and 
somewhat hard to separate and understand — for all those 
predictions really received a primal fulfillment at the destruc- 
tion of Jerusalem, and yet all were gathered up and made to 
symbolize and predict the end of the world — so, as a cer- 
tain writer has declared, the whole book of Revelation will 
evidently receive a primal fulfillment in the history of the 
church in this»world and then, especially as described in the 
three closing chapters, all is gathered up and made to find 
its ultimate fulfillment in heaven and hell. 

I have also, with most commentators, interpreted the two 
resurrections as referring, first, to the resurrection of the 
spirit of apostolical and primitive zeal, during the thousand 
years; — as Elijah spiritually came forth from his grave, and 
lived and preached again through John the Baptist; so the 
"souls", not the bodies, of the early disciples live and reign 
with Christ on earth during the Millennium in the sanctified 
lives of the saints who make their places good during that 
long, peaceful and triumphant period. In support of these 
views, see Andrew Fuller on the Apocalypse, and Barnes' 
notes on this chapter, and also many others. Christ also 
plainly spoke of two resurrections, one spiritual and the 
other literal. (See John 5 : 24-29.) 

It is an implied reflection on the power and honor of the 
Holy Spirit to affirm that His glorious dispensation is about 
to close, when we are only at the beginning of His triumph- 
ant, world-wide, reign on earth ! 



IlM RhlELATIOX 



And now, as Satan's synagogue 
And city, where his throne was found, 
Are fallen, fallen forevermore ! — 
The work to conquer him becomes 
An easy task — the nations of the earth 
No more can be deceived by him, 
Until the thousand years are fled ! 
i. I, therefore, saw an Angel strong. 
By Christ and his own church sent forth, 
And in his hand he held a chain, — 
The mighty chain of truth, and by 
His side there hung the key to hell, 
By which he opened wide, in sight 
Of all the world, the guilt and fruits 
Of sin, — and seized the Wicked one, — 
Oft called the " Dragon," " Satan," and 
The " Devil " — arch-deceiver of 
All men, e'er since the world was made; — 
And for one thousand years he bound 
Him, by the force of God's own truth, 
And cast him, headlong, down to hell ! 
His words and works of darkness with 

3. Him too were cast into the pit. 

Called "bottomless'', where he must lie; — 

And set a seal upon him there, 

That he should ne'er deceive, again, 

The nations of the earth, until 

The thousand years shall be fulfilled; — 

And after that, a little time, 

4. He must be loosed again. 



REVELATION, 125 

Then thrones 
I saw, and unto God's own saints 
Judgment was given o'er all the world, — 
The governments of earth were given 
To men of probity and truth : — 
I also saw the souls of those 
Who had been slain for Jesus and 
The precious word of God — men who 
Refused to worship pope or church, 
And who refused to wear their marks 
Of ownership and slavery — 
These noble martyrs lived and reigned 
With Christ, a thousand years — And yet 
Their bodies lived not, but their " souls " ; — 
In spirit, as Elijah lived 
In gospel times, so these again 
Lived on the earth in those who like 
Them fully followed Christ and truth ! 
5. The other dead, who only lived 
To serve the dragon and his church, 
Lived not again to persecute 
Till that long period had passed — 
The thousand years of truth and peace. 

This truly then is called the first 
Grand resurrection unto life, — 
A glorious emblem and a type 
Of that great day when all shall rise, 
The good and evil, from their graves ; 
When saints shall shine in splendor like 
The sun, in robes of righteousness, 



120 REVELATION 



Of purity and love and power ! 

6. Thus blest and holy shall he be 
Who shares a glorious part in this 
First resurrection, for on such, 

The second death, the endless death, 
Of woe, shall have no power, but kings 
And priests to God, and Christ, they reign 
With him a thousand blissful years ! 

7. But when the thousand years expire, 
From out of his dark prison-house 

8. The Devil must be loosed and shall 
Go forth, once more, to stir up strife, 
And so fill up his final cup 

Of endless woe! All thro' the world 

He roams, to gather whom he may, — 

Deceiving and beguiling men, 

He rallies vile and vicious souls, 

To make one final charge upon 

The church of Christ : — "Gog and Magog,' 

The names of this ungodly host ; 
Once more and only once, the church 
Of Christ shall be assailed by men 
Who hate our Cod and His pure word — 
From ev'ry quarter of the globe, 
Like sand upon tin- seashore vast. 
These enemies swarm forth to fight 
Against our Ford and 1 1 i -> dear church: 

<). And they went up and compassed quick 
The camp of Cod's elect, the fair 

Beloved city of our Cod, 



RE VELA TWN. 127 



When swift, from Heaven, the flames of wrath 
In vengeance fell upon their heads 
And, like a furnace blast, devoured 

10. Them all! And Satan, that arch-fiend, 
Who had deceived them, he was cast 
Deep in the lake of fire and scorn 

Where papal beast and prophet false 
Had long ago been cast ; and day 
And night, forevermore, he shall 
Tormented be with flames, fanned by 
The condemnation of all worlds ! 

1 1. A great white throne I next beheld, 
And from the face of Him who sat 
Thereon the heavens and earth did flee, 
And no more place was found for them, — 

No longer dared proud, sinful men 
To raise their voices in contempt 
Of God and His own church so fair ! 

12. I also saw the dead, both small 
And great, appear before their God 
To give account for all their deeds. 

The books of God wide-opened were ; — 
The Book of Nature, with its leaves 
So full of God and all his ways; — 
The Book of Conscience — which all men 
E'en heathen, till past feeling, read — 
Was there, and also that great book 
In which God's thoughts toward His own 

church 
Are written plain, was opened wide, 



128 REVELATION. 



As well as that more private book, 
Men's memories, in which God makes 
Each one his own accountant prove; — 
God's many-leaved Book of Providence 
Was opened and its records scanned, 
In praise or blame of all who lived : 
Another book — the best of all — 
Was there and opened wide — The Lamb's 
Own Book of Life, inscribed with blood — 
In which the names of all who have 
Believed in Christ are written plain, 
Engraved by His own hand, from which 
They never shall be blotted out! 
And by these books all men were judged, 
According as their works had been. 

13. And the sea gave up her treasured dead, 
The many millions buried there 
Appeared before the throne of God ; 

And death and hades, place of all 
Departed spirits, gave up all 
Their dead, of every age and clime, 
And they were judged according to 

14. Their faith and works, each one; And 
death 

And the grave which long had claimed 

Their victims on account of sin, 

Were cast into the lake of fire, — 

No more should death reign over men, 
No more the grave receive their dust ! 
These evils thus personified, 



REVELATION. 129 



Are past and gone forevermore ! 
This is the second and the final death — ■ 
The burning lake of quenchless fire, 
In which God's enemies must die ! 
15. And whosoever was not found 
With name inscribed in Christ's own Book 
Was cast into the lake of fire ! 
Such are God's judgments which must fall 
On " Gog and Magog" - — Satan's host, 
Which in the latter d,ays he brings 
Against restored Israel ! 

Long after their conversion to 
The truth and to the Christ of God 
Shall these bold enemies attack 
Them in their own, their peaceful land, 

Then " fire from heaven " shall fall on them; 
And all the judgments and the woes 
Predicted in these words so true, 
Shall be fulfilled in their defeat ; — 
As when old pagan Rome was by 
The vengeance of our God destroyed, 
When black as sackcloth grew the sun. 
And moon became a crimson red, 
And stars fell darkling to the earth, 
When the heavens departed and the Kings 
And mighty men of earth cried, 
" Ye mountains fall and hide us from 
The face of God and from the Lamb, 
The day of wrath has come and who 
Can stand the awful test?" 



1:10 RFAF.LATION. 



So shall 
Fierce Gog and Magog feel the fire 
And judgments, just, of God, which fall 
On them and evermore destroy 
Their hellish power upon the earth ! 
Then as that prophet of the Lord, 
Ezekiel, hath long foretold 
Shall come to pass that other grand 
And rich display of God's great love 
Toward all his ancient people, and 
Toward all the sons of Abraham, 
(Who thus become by living faith,) 
And they the New Jerusalem 
Shall see descending out of heaven 
To dwell among the sons of men ; — 
Then all the nations of the world 
Shall serve our God and His dear Son ! 



RE VELA TION. 13 1 



CHAPTER XXI. 

THE TABERNACLE OF GOD ON EARTH A PICTURE 

AND PLEDGE OF HEAVEN. 



Here we have a predictive picture and emblem of the 
regenerated heavens and earth, following the destruction of 
the anti-Christian powers, both as first fulfilled after the 
destruction of Gog and Magog, and finally, ill the new heav- 
ens and earth of the future state of existence. 

In this chapter we read, " Behold the Tabernacle of God is 
7vith men." Also " He showed me that great city, the holy 
Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God" and again 
" They shall bring the glory and honor of the nations into it." 

These inspired predictions convince the writer that there 
will be a primary fulfillment of them on earth, as well as a 
final fulfillment of them in heaven ;• — precisely as the proph- 
ecies uttered by Christ concerning the destruction of Jeru- 
salem and the end of the world were all fulfilled in that 
generation and yet are to receive another and final accom- 
plishment at the end of the world, so these predictions have a 
primal and secondary significance. 

It will be remembered that in the VI. c. of Revelation the 
imagery there used to denote the destruction of pagan Rome 
is almost as vivid and apparently indicative of the end of the 
world, as the figures used in this and the preceding chapter. 

It also seems evident that in the closing part of the proph- 
ecy of Ezekiel from the Thirty-eighth Chapter to the end of 
that wonderful book, where the prophet describes in detail 
the battle of Gog and Magog, — the river of life, — the spirit- 
ual temple and regenerated land, — he refers, if not primarily, 
yet in a secondary sense, to the same events to which John 
points in this and the following chapter. 

As the gentiles are about to enjoy their millennial triumph, 
so, God's especially loved people, the Jews, shall have theirs, 
after they gain the final victory over all the foes of the church 
on earth. And yet all the children of Abraham " by faith ", 



132 RE I' ELATION. 



w ho are li\ ing then, will, of course, be joint heirs with them t<> 
the same inheritance. As regards the " end of the world ", it is 
quite probable that this great event will come when the inter- 
nal fires of the earth burst forth, causing the-very "elements to 
melt with fervent heat", — then like the moon, without sea <u 
air, it cannot be inhabited by men in their present condition. 



i. Lo! a new Heavens and Earth I saw, 
As if the old had passed away, — 

As though the last great day had come, 
And Earth's internal fires had done 
Their cleansing work, the elements 
With fervent heat had melted and 
The ethereal atmosphere 
No longer needed, had given 
Place to purer natural heavens; — 
And oxeans' vast expanse, also, 
Had passed away, and thus this world 
Made ready for the Saints as one 
Of "many mansions" which our Lord 
Has promised to prepare for all 
Who love and serve Him here below. 

2. And I, God's servant, John, beheld 
The holy city of our Lord, 

The New Jerusalem, from God, 

1 )escending down from heaven, prepared 

As bride adorned for husband true, — 

To dwell on earth among the sons 

Of men, for many peaceful days. 

3, Then from the heavens 1 heard a voice, 
A (lear, loud voice, in tones of joy: 

" Behold the tabernacle of 



REVELATION. 133 



The Lord is now with men and He 

Will dwell with them and they shall 

Be his loving people evermore ; — 

Thus shall Christ's church, made pure by grace, 

Extend all o'er the whole wide world ! 

Yea, God himself shall be with them 

And be their ever-present Lord; 

4. And from their eyes all tears He'll wipe, 
And death shall be no more — for list, — 

" He that believeth ne'er shall die," 
Saith Christ, — and in that happy day 
The fear of death shall be unknown, 
For all the former things are passed away. 

5. And He who sat upon the throne 
I heard declare, " Behold, I make 
All things, in spirit, new ! " To me 

He said: "Write; for these sayings true 
And faithful are as God's own word ! " 

6. Again to me He spake : <"Tis done ; 
The Alpha and Omega I, 
Beginning and the ending of 

All things, in heaven or earth ; — and I 
Will give to him who is athirst 
The water of life from heaven's fount — 
Most freely will I give to all : 

7. He who o'ercometh shall all things 
Inherit and his God I'll be, 

And he shall be my loyal son ; 

8. But timid souls, so cowardly 

That they can never own their Lord, — 



134 REVELATION. 



The unbelieving and the vile, 
Whoremongers and idolaters, 
And sorcerers and murderers, 
And all who love and make a lie, 
Their part shall have in that great lake 
Which burns with fire and brimstone fierce." 

9. One of those Angels seven, which 
On Rome poured out God's final woe, 
Talked with me : " Hither come, and I 
Will show to thee, the Lamb's own bride, 
And spouse, who hath his wife become." 

10. In th' Spirit and in vision clear 
The Angel bore me swift to a 

Great mountain grand and tall, — which showed 
The high commanding place of power 
The church will occupy on earth 
In her triumphant days, when 
Truth shall reign o'er every land ! — 
And on this mountain high and grand 
He showed me that great city of 
Our Lord, the New Jerusalem, 
Descending out of heaven from God, 
With all the Spirit's power and Grace, 
To bless believing souls throughout the world ; 
1 1. The glory of our God had she, 
And her pure light was like a stone 
Most precious, like a jasper stone, 
And crystal cK'.u its flashing rays 
Went forth the earth to bless and save: 
1 j. And this great city (as in days 



RE VELA TION. 135 



Of old) had walls both broad and high ; — 

It also had twelve gates, and at 

Each gate an Angel stood to guard 

These entrances from wicked men ; 

And on these gates twelve names were seen, 
The names of God's own chosen ones, 
That all might know the Saints now reigned, 
As wicked men once ruled the earth. 

13. Three gates were placed on each side of 
This city, thus believing souls 

Find easy ingress to its joys. 

14. Foundations twelve the city had, 
And on them were the names of Christ's 
Apostles, who of God were made 
Foundation stones on which the church 

15. Was reared. 

A golden reed was in 
The Angel's hand to measure this 
Great city of our Lord. The gates 
And walls thereof he measured true : — 

16. Four-square this city lies, the length 
Is as the breadth, three hundred miles 
And seventy-five in length and breadth; 
The length, the breadth and height are all 
The same, denoting harmony 

In all its doctrines, duties, deeds ; — 
Permitting no imperfect creed 
Or practice to destroy its strength, 
Or mar its beauty, ^rand and rare! 
This symbol shows the magnitude 



130 RJ:\'I:I.ATIOX 



Of that great number, none can count, 
Who are redeemed from sin and guilt. 

17. The wall, in height, he measured as 
A man would measure it, and not 

By some unknown and mystic reed — 

And found the measurement to be, 

In feet, two hundred and sixteen, 

As measured by the angel true ; — 
In this we see that while the walls 
Were high and grand, protecting all 
Within, yet high above them towered 
The church, in all its grandeur and 

18. Its strength! The wall above its base, 
Which was of precious stones, was built 
Of jasper, beautiful and strong, 

A wall no foe can scale, no power 

Can overthrow ! The city was 

( )f purest gold, as clear as glass, — 

Like glass when the bright and ling'ring sun 

His parting rays transforms to gold 

And flashes forth his brilliant light. 

19. And richly garnished were its strong 
Foundations with most precious stones, — 
The first with Jasper — Sapphire next, 
Then Chalcedony, Emerald green. 

20. Then Sardonyx and Sardius 
And Chrysolite, Beryl, Topaz rare, 
Then Crysoprasus, Jacinth, fair, — 
An Amethyst adorned the twelfth 
Foundation stone — each with its own 



RE VELA TION. 137 



Peculiar beauty and its worth; — 

Thus shall the lives, the words and deeds 
Of Christ's Apostles, and their true 
Successors in the Ministry, 
Shine on while truth itself shall last! 
21, The twelve gates of the City were 
Each one, a solid pearl, to show 
The solid worth, the truth and grace, 
Of which these entrances consist ; — 
All men shall know and own that God 
Was wise, and just and merciful 
In all the methods of his grace ; 
Debarring none from heaven who should 
In truth, His pardoning love accept; — 
And yet thro' which no soul could pass 
Unless redeemed from guilt and sin ! 
And thro' these solid gates of truth 
And justice none can go to vex 
Or harm the holy Church of Christ ! 

22. No temple in this city did 
I see, for God and His Dear Son 
So near the saints did dwell, 
They had no need of churchly rules 
And varied laws to keep them true ; — 

23. No need of sun or moon had they, — 
Their loving, loyal hearts scarce called 
For Kings or governments, for each 

Was governed by God's light and love, 
As shown by Christ while here on earth. 
24. And all the nations of the saved 



L38 REV ELATION. 



Shall also walk in this same light, 
And base their laws on God's own word; 
And thus the rulers of the earth 
Shall bring their glory, honor, strength, 
To Jesus and His faithful Church. 

25. This City's gates shall ne'er be closed, 
By day or night, for no night there 

Is known, and all who worthy are, 
Free ingress and egress shall find, 
While fields of knowledge, and of joy 
They wander o'er, both far and wide. 

26. And all the nations of the earth 
Shall haste to bring their glory there, 
In this bright, golden age of truth : — 

27. And yet in nowise shall the vile, 
Or those who make a lie, or those 
Who work abominations, stand 
Within its sacred walls, only 

Those happy souls whose names are found 
In Christ the Lamb's own Book of Life. 



kEVELATlON. 131) 



CHAPTER XXII. 

THE RIVER OF LIFE GOSPEL RESULTS HERE AND 

HEREAFTER. 



This sweet chapter brings us to the end of these wonderful 
and truthful prophecies. The fruit-bearing trees whose 
leaves have a healing virtue, going on their sacred mission of 
moral healing and salvation to all nations, give proof that 
there is a primary reference to post-millennial results of gospel 
preaching on earth ; and then most of these predictions are 
doubtless presented to us as an impressive and faithful picture 
of heaven and hell in the world to come. 



i. To my enraptured gaze he showed 
The river and water of life : — 
As pure and clear as crystal, was 
This holy, living, gospel stream,— 
Proceeding from the love of God 
And from the merits of the Lamb. 
2. And in the streets, on either side 
This river, grew the trees of life, — 
Not as in Eden where but one 
Such tree was found, and even that 
Debarred from man because of sin, 
For in this city grew in rich 
Profusion many trees of grace 



140 REVEI.ATIOX. 



With free access to all, by all. 
Twelve precious fruit-harvests each year 
These trees did yield, and every month 
Was gathered ripe and perfect fruit! 
The leaves from these same trees possessed 
A healing power, and were for souls, 
In every nation, who desire 
Abundant life, forevermore. 
Had Adam sought this precious fruit. 
Instead of seeking knowledge of 
The fruits of sin, he ne'er had died ! 
But now, for Jesus' sake, all men 
May freely eat of this same tree, 
And so secure immortal life; — 
3. Therefore no curse can ever come 
To mar the joys of heaven's elect ! 

Before the throne of God, and of the 
The Lamb, which ever shall be there, 
His subjects bow and serve their Lord: 
|* And they shall ever see His face, 
And bask in His approving smiles ; 
While on their foreheads, plainly seen, 
His wondrous name shall written be, — 
For they confess with joy their Lord ! 
5. And there shall be no night within 

Those walls, and thus they need no lamp. 
Or sun, to give them Light and guide 
Their feet, for God shall be their light : 
All ignorance and doubt shall rlee; — 
Like shades of darkness when the light 



RE VELA TION. 141 



Of day breaks in the east, — so shall 
God's people know as they by Him 
.Are known in that pure land of light, 
Where evermore His saints shall reign. 

6. " These sayings faithful are and true," 
He cried ; — "The Lord and God of all 
The holy prophets me hath sent 

To show his faithful servants things 
Which shortly must begin to be 

7. Fulfilled: Behold! I quickly come, 
And blest is he who keeps these words 
Within his mind and heart which are 

8. Recorded in this book." I, John, 

Both saw and heard these wondrous things : — 
So filled was I with rapturous joy, 
Before God's holy messenger — 
Who had thus sweetly, fully taught 
These mysteries of heaven, — I sought 

9. To worship him. " See that thou do 
It not," he cried, " I only am 

Thy fellow-servant and those, of 
Thine own loved brethren, who do keep 
The sayings of this blessed book, — 
Although so clothed with light and power, 
No one can worshiped be but God ; — 
To Him alone, all praise is due : 

10. Seal not these holy prophecies; — 
The time when their fulfillment must 
Begin, is now at hand, — as soon 

As these true sayings written are, 



1 I ■_' REVELATION. 



They shall be proven true, by what 

My Church shall know, and see. and feel, 
At once from friends and foes of truth ; 
And so along the ages shall 
This book a beacon-light of hope 
And warning be, till all these words, 
To every jot and tittle, shall 
Fulfillment find; and thus, before 
And after these events, my saints, 
By these true words, shall be sustained. 
And comforted and faithful made : 
i i. Then, when the end has come, and all 
These warnings past, the unjust soul 
Will be unjust forevermore ; — 
'The filthy will be filthy still, — 
The righteous will be righteous still,— 
The holy, holy evermore ! 

E'en while these awful judgments are 
In process of fulfillment, such 
Results will follow in their train; — 
The righteous will be righteous made, 
While wicked men shall viler grow; 
So let it be, God's ways are just, 
And true and gracious evermore ! 
12. Behold! I quickly come- and My 
Reward is with Me to bestow 
On every man according as 
His faith and works shall truly be. 
1 ; v I, Alpha and ( )mega am, 
beginning, ending of all things. 



REVELATION. 143 

The first and last great cause am I ! 

14. Blessed are they who do His will, 
That they may be entitled, by 

This proof of faith in Christ, to all 
The fruitage of their faith, which 
Pendant hangs upon the tree of life; 
And also enter thro' these gates 
Of pearl, to heaven's fair land of rest, 
Of peace, of joy, and perfect love ! 

15. Without the walls of my pure church 
Are human dogs, -both fierce and base, — 
And Sorcerers who make foul lies, — 
Vile whoremongers who find no rest 
Unless some soul they can seduce, — 
Idolaters, and liars, who, 

Both make, and love, malicious lies ; — 
All these justly remain outside 
Of Zion, purified by faith, 
By God's own Spirit, through the long 
And blessed reign of truth on earth, — 
As well as when in heaven she reigns 
In perfect light and purity. 

16. "Your Lord and Saviour, Jesus, I 
My messenger have truly sent, 

To prophesy to all My saints 

These words which shall fulfillment find. 

Of David's root and offspring true, 
Am I, — and the bright and morning star, 
Which heralds heaven's eternal day ! " 

17. Because of all these faithful words 



K 1-1 EL A '/VOX. 



God's Spirit and the Church say, " Come ! 
Let him who heareth also say 
To all about him, " Come! " let him 
Who is athirst for pardon come, 
And whosoever will, yea, let 
Him quickly come and freely take 
Life's water from the open fount 
Of God's redeeming grace and love ! 

1 8. 1 testify to every man 

Who hears these words of prophesy, 

If any one dare add to these 

Pure words, in wilful malice toward 

The truth, the plagues recorded here 

Will God add to his cup of woe, 

For hiding light, God made to shine, 

To warn, and bless, and save the world. 

19. If any man shall take from these 
Blest words of truth their healing power, 

By sowing fatal errors in 

Their place, his part and portion God 

Will take from out the Book of Life, 

And from the holy city, and 

From all the blessings in this book 

Which God has promised to Mis saints 

20. The one who testifieth to 

These faithful words declares, — "Surely 
I quickly come to cause these words 
Fulfillment faithfully to find ; 
\ <\i, soon I come to judge the world !" 
Amen ! e'en so, Lord Jesus, come ' 



REVELATION. 145 



21. These heaven-sent words a^e ended, and 
I, John, implore that God's rich grace 
And love, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, 
May ever with you dwell, — Amen ! 




J SBm 



